William Charlton-Perkins: Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert spill the beans about their new comedy, Mr & Mrs Normal, heading for East London this month end.

Heading for East London’s for Guild Theatre this month end, stand by for..

MR & MRS NORMAL

Starring Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert!

Great news for theatregoers in East London and the vicinity! SA’s comedy superstars Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert of MacBob Productions are set to bring the funny to The Guild Theatre this month-end, with a lightening tour of their latest comedy hit – Mr & Mrs Normal. This laugh-out-loud-show has just three performances between 30 April and 2 May!

Interview

Q – So what can we expect from your new show, Mr & Mrs Normal?

Aaron- Well, judging from audience responses during the show’s debut season last December, it’s hilarious! We’ve introduced a new clutch of characters, who’ll find tickle your funny bone.. and (not to disappoint) some of our old favourites make prestige return appearances too! We tried some gentle hinting, but there’s no stopping them. Lisa and I think a bit of jealousy was at play.

Lisa- Yeah, no question. They weren’t about to let what they call ‘these new upstarts’ steal their thunder! So, we thought, what the heck, let them each do their thing. Listen, good people, do us a favour and please don’t hurt anyone’s feelings! Aaron says, ‘The old guard are getting too big for their boots. It’s time to put them down a peg or two’ ; But I say, ‘Ag shame, man, Aaron, give them a break.’ Anyway, they sure can be a temperamental lot. Not Bruce, mind, but I have to admit Charmaine tends to take over. Just a bit..

Q – Okay, got it. So, back to my questions then… Mr & Mrs Normal is billed as an ‘’all-you-can-eat comedy buffet – a zany musical smorgasbord to cater for all theatrical tastes’. What does that mean?

Aaron- Well. We try to make our audiences feel special, right? So, we add liberal doses of haute cuisine comedy – a kind of Michelin Star fusion of the expected and the unforeseen. We conceive each of our shows as the ‘surprise dish’ – from the start to end of the menu – serving up a meal that surpasses expectations. You won’t be hungry, but you’ll always want to go back for seconds.

Q – The reviews have been great! My research shows that ArtSmart picked up on the ‘surprise tactics you just mentioned, Aaron. The reviewer wrote, ‘Bobbert and McIlroy take ownership of the space; their entertaining antics are not restricted to the stage alone. Seemingly effortless costume, make-up and wig changes keep the audience guessing as to who is going to appear next and from where. These actors engage so naturally with each other and with the audience that the auditorium becomes part of the performance area – a 4D live theatre experience!’ Would you like to comment, Lisa?

Lisa -It’s always great to have a critic who knows about the business, and picks up on what’s going down on both sides of the footlights (to use that quaint old-world show biz phrase). Live theatre is in our DNA, there’s a wonderful dynamic that happens between performers and the audience. A magical chemistry that ignites joy. We like to think of ourselves as essential workers with a higher calling – laughter therapy!

Q – Mr & Mrs Normal is directed by the multi-talented Daisy Spencer. What’s it like working with her?

Lisa – Daisy is such a fun, special person to hang out with. She’s also a fantastic comedian and performer in her own right. We enjoy having an outside eye and someone who pushes us and understands the nuances of comedy.

Q – Romi Schumann’s review in ArtSmart) wrote, ‘Mr and Mrs Normal will keep you laughing, and on your toes, with the audience invited (or given no choice in the matter at all) to play their part. This feel-good musical comedy is just what everyone needs, so bring your Fun A-game, your family, friends, and neighbours and join the best party in town! Tell me something about the musical elements of the production. What songs do you perform?

Aaron – We have a ball with a collection of musical hits that include Work Bitch; Hound Dog; Wonder of You’ Those were the Days; Mother Tongue; She Bangs; Party People Song; I’m Addicted; Dream a Dream; and Venga Party Bus Medley.

Q – Great stuff, guys…. So, dear readers, what are you waiting for? With just three performances lined-up, don’t miss out! Mr & Mrs Normal is clearly just what we need to add spice to our day-to-day lives, while we help keep theatre scene alive and kicking.

Tickets are R180 (R160 for pensioners, students & block bookings of 10 or more). The show is in two acts, duration 100 minutes including interval. To book, call 0861 915 8000. Or simply book at: https://computicket.com/event/mr_and_mrs_normal/7275936

William Charlton-Perkins
copydog@artslink.co.za
069 300 3977
Copydog Editorial Enterprises CC