Past Shows

In HATS OFF!, Jonathan Roxmouth and Louis Zurnamer team up to revisit the madcap musical antics of famous British comedy duo, Michael Flanders and Donald Swann. Sharing the stage with nothing but a baby grand piano (in tune, if you are lucky) and their off-beat senses of humour (out of tune, if you aren't) they explore the many humorous and downright silly songs of Flanders & Swann including the classic "G-nu Song", intoxicating "Madeira M'Dear" and infectious "Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud Ballad for Piano and Hippo". Described as an ingenious mix of Tom Lehrer, Gilbert and Sullivan and Monty Python, this is a comedy revue brimming with catchy tunes, tongue in cheek chemistry and laugh out loud humour. Suitable for anyone with a pulse.

Cape Town Reviews 2011 "Rollicking night...you'll be howling for more. Hats Off! is the kind of show you can see more than once and enjoy it as much as you did the first time." CAPE TIMES **** "Roxmouth and Zurnamer put on a brilliant performance." CAPE ARGUS Leon van Nierop - artslink.co.za: "This is one of the most delightful, sophisticated and rewarding evenings I have spent in the theatre this year. This is a humorous, insightful and highly professional production bristling with talent, wit, sophistication and a quick-fire tempo. You are not bored for a single moment as you watch, astonished, how the young, hip performer from Grease, Jonathan Roxmouth, turns from a slick ducktail into a sophisticated performer with an undeniably strong stage presence, authority over his material and great charm. He is ably supported by the charming Louis Zurnamer (who also worked on Grease) and together they create one of the most memorable shows in the Pieter Toerien success story up till now. Roxmouth, who almost resembles a young Warren Beatty, but with more charm and energy, keeps you riveted for 2 hours. This young man surely has an extraordinary career ahead of him and one wonders where he will be in 5 years time. HAT’S OFF is a kind of amusing musical journey through the songs and wit of Donald Swann and Michael Flanders, two musical partners who collaborated and wrote some of the world’s funniest songs especially during the 50’s and 60’s. Alan Swerdlow and Jonathan Roxmouth have cleverly adapted some of the material into a South African context and with brilliant insight, sharp wit and impeccable good taste had the audience in stitches. Swerdlow’s effortless, intelligent direction makes full use, not only of the small, intimate stage, but of the mammoth of impersonations that Roxmouth is capable of. The sketches and musical numbers move with clockwork precision from one hilarious song and story routine to the next, leaving this reviewer spellbound. Congratulations to everybody concerned. This is elegance, intellectual humour, grace and talent of the highest order! Strongly recommended as a gentle alternative to the madness of everyday life." Annette Bayne - The Citizen: "And while the younger generation might not remember Flanders and Swann for their lyrics and tunes, there is still something funny in the satire (and glorious in the mud) to bring them to the theatre." Diane de Beer - Star Tonight!: "Meet the gleeful gnu, have some playful moments with a trippy hippopotamus rolling in the mud and then battle your way, in picador style, with an olive or two. Smart rapport with lots of sizzle and dazzling smiles. The two performers shine!"