THE RANGA
DIRECTOR: Originally directed by Steven Stead for the Hilton Arts Festival
CAST: Aaron McIlroy and |Andy Turrel
VENUE: The Playhouse
UNTIL: Sunday
RATING: ****
Funnyman Aaron McIlroy opened his new one-man show in Durban at the Playhouse last week and it’s been worth the wait!
McIlroy takes a tongue-in-cheek look at prejudices against people with “pigmentation issues”.
Written and performed by McIlroy, throughout the show, he takes the audience through interesting history and “facts” about red-headed people.
As he once explained in a pre-interview, the word “ranga” is derived from “orangutang” (red- haired monkeys) and is a term used to describe people with varying shades of red hair, from strawberry blond to auburn.
So as a proud ranga himself, this play sees the audience as part of a gathering to commemorate 25 years since the ranga movement was established. The gathering takes place on the reserve, where rangas established their community.
The show takes you through a range of hilariously interesting aspects like a history of the ranga, pigmentation issues suffered and what that means in the context of a ranga’s surrounding environment, growing up tough from being victimised for being a ranga, to hardships in the workforce and more.
Intertwined in the show is a playlist of side-splitting musical parodies related to aspects of ranga lifestyle. Expect to hear covers of Duelling Banjos (Deliverance), Hey Brother (Avicii), Money’s Too Tight to Mention (Simply Red) and Moves Like Jagger (Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera).
McIlroy is on the ball with his entertaining style of physical comedy and audience interaction.
The show is complemented by Andy Turrel who provides the live music backing on banjo, guitar, bass guitar, pedal steel guitar, drums, and bagpipes. I’ve seen Turrel play at a few live music and music revue shows and I’ve always known he’s good, but boy when those bagpipes came out, my thought was, “this guy is on another level!”
At every show I’ve since seen Turrel play in, he’s usually the unassuming performer in the background. Until he starts playing: then you sit up and take note of his talent which speaks volumes, as it has in this show.
However, McIlroy’s clever script has also brought out the funny in Turrel and their synergy on stage is great!
A highlight of any Aaron McIlroy show is always his rapport with the audience – it is always a treat for the “victims” and the rest of us looking on.
One of my favourite moments in this show is his “selfie” which sees the audience on a ranga journey flashback of a night out at the club… too funny! I also love when he tries to woo the ladies in true ranga style.
Michael Broderick’s hillbilly-like set with a makeshift tent and outer area complete with a do-it-yourself washing line, a broken chair and a ranga moonshine-like concoction, complements the look and feel of this show.
I had a great time on the reserve and I’m sure you will, too. But tickets are likely to sell out fast, so best you book quickly.
A well-deserved encore!
• Performances are Tuesdays to Saturdays at 7.30pm with 3pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets at R150 are available from Computicket or Playhouse Box Office on 031 369 9540 (office hours).