Popular radio DJ joins adult panto cast
This is the first time Durban audiences will get a chance to see him on stage.
BOYS and girls, you are in for a treat at this year’s end of year adult pantomime, Aladdin Grey Street, with the announcement of comedian, radio personality and MC, Darren Maule, joining the cast. A morning radio presenter by day, Maule will don a somewhat different public persona, that of the Genie of the Lamp in this year’s grown-up version of Aladdin.
Maule is no stranger to the stage, having trained as a professional actor; he has appeared in a host of productions in Gauteng. However, this is the first time Durban audiences will get a chance to see him on stage.
Maule, known for his witty banter on radio, is also a well-known stand-up comedian and will be putting this combined skill-set to good use in the delivery of some fabulous double-edged one-liners from the adult panto script.
A joking Maule said, “It’s not Shakespeare or Tennessee Williams… it’s more Serena Williams than Tennessee Williams and more Shakes Mashaba than Shakespeare. And I really hope the Broadcasting Complaints Commission doesn’t follow me to the pantomime!”
Adult panto producer, Sue Clarence, added, “This is our seventeenth year of staging a fun year-end adult panto, and it is with great delight that Darren will be joining us with the nonsense and mischief that happens on stage. His personality is absolutely perfect for this genre and we look forward to him charming Durban.”
Perennial panto regular, Anthony Stonier (who plays the Widow Twanky) will once again be part of the cast. TQ Zondi plays Aladdin; Rowan Bartlett is Princess Jasmine; with Mpilo ‘Straw’ Nzimande as the Genie of the Ring; Katy Moore as Evil Sultana; and Clinton Small as Watch-Mi-Wanky.
Written and directed by Darren King, Aladdin Grey Street promises to be a bumper offering of good, old-fashioned belly laughs and a liberal dose of saucy, naughty gags.
The season runs from 10 November to 30 December, running from Tuesdays to Saturdays at 7.30pm; Sundays at 2pm. Doors open 90 minutes early for dining. The venue this year is the Centenary Room, Greyville Racecourse (enter through gate 15 and follow the signs). Tickets range from R130 to R170. Bookings through Computicket.