‘Comedy is really the only way we survive’
Locked Upside Down returns to the Theatre On The Square with a sequel filled with a whole lot of laughs and a lot less lockdown regulations.
The crazy and fun antics of the Locked Down Upside satirical revue return to the Theatre On The Square with a mini-sequel.
Directed by Alan Swerdlow, Locked Down Upside Down and Inside Out stars Sharon Spiegel-Wagner and Lorri Strauss, and introduces musical director and pianist Elizabeth Lemmer.
Open at the theatre until July 9, the sequel explores the trials and tribulations of two mothers, their friendship and wacky antics as they confront the devastating Covid-19 pandemic during lockdown and beyond.
“It is such a joy to be back on stage. Sharon and I are long-time best friends and we have based the characters around our friendship. It is just such fun working together both on stage and off stage,” said Strauss.
Swerdlow added that it was important to retain the essence of the first show, for audiences who may have not seen it, but also build on it with new material that is really more relevant for today.
“We have structured the show like a revue, and like all satirical revues you constantly update and refresh it with what you have so that you keep it topical.
“And, of course, between the last show and now, our lockdown stages changed, rules and regulations changed, the wearing of masks changed, so we had to reflect that and also just laugh at the silly and inconsistency of our lives over the last two and a half years.”
The sequel will also be Lemmer’s first musical theatre debut, which she is immensely excited about. “I am working with some wonderful people and I am just excited to get on stage and see what we can do as a team.”
Spiegel-Wagner added that above all, the group feels honoured to be able to once again entertain audiences.
“Everyone thinks that comedy is so light but in retrospect, comedy is the thing that we listen to the most, it really lands with people and tells a very stark and real story. Comedy is really the only way we survive and it is important that we have to have a sense of humour.”
Catch Locked Down Upside Down and Inside Out at Theatre On The Square until July 9, Wednesdays to Fridays at 19:30 and Saturdays at 17:00 and 20:00.
Bookings can be made online via Computicket on www.computicket.com or by calling the theatre on 083 377 4969 or 011 883 8606.
Normal ticket prices are R180 and special discounts for seniors and students at R120.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/305917/theatre-on-the-square-comes-alive-again/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/308981/spend-your-lunch-hour-at-the-theatre/
