Classical Comedy, a show staging at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre until 4 December will see popular comedians Aaron Mcilroy and Lisa Bobbert venture into the orchestra space.
Directed by Darren King, Bobbert said the show had been in the making since earlier this year.
“In early April, Durban City Orchestra’s Francis Smith (committee member / second violinist) met us to discuss a possible collaboration between us. We started getting excited and thinking of material and songs that would work with our style of comedy and the orchestra's repertoire - songs that we could have fun with as well as showcasing the orchestra at their best.
“At the time of planning, we were still in lockdown, and large theatres were still on social gathering restrictions, so we hoped it would become more than just a pipe dream. As soon as we got the news that the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre was opening to full capacity, we jumped for joy, and it was all systems go,” she said.
Bobbert said it had been a major task.
“The orchestra is approximately 40 members as well as Aaron and me, supported by their our daughters, Kaylee and Grace, who appear as backing vocalists and dancers.
“The show is a series of comedy skits linking together the orchestra's repertoire of orchestral classics and modern contemporary songs. The show has been carefully planned to include a lot of interaction with Aaron and me, the orchestra and the audience.”
The Durban City Orchestra (DCO) is one of the longest-running orchestras in the country. It is independent of the KwaZulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra and started as the Durban Philharmonic Orchestra and was later known as the Gateway Philharmonic Orchestra before it became the DCO.
Classical Comedy is described as a musical celebration fit for the whole family.
* Tickets are R200 /R180 pensioners and students from Computicket.