It seems that all we do each year is complain about how difficult it was to stage the show and how we struggled to get ready on time. This year’s show was no exception but we won’t bother anyone with the details. The bottom line is ‘the show must go on’ and so it did.
This year we were fortunate to have the help of the Roseway Waldorf School art students who painted the backdrops which the tablers got on with what they do best: get in each other’s way, stress and consume the occasional beer.
This year we dropped the second charity night and combined both as a dress rehearsal on the Thursday allowing normal patrons in on the Friday night. The support from other service organizations was tremendous and we hosted at least 220 kids from various charities and orphanages. Each child received the customary hot dog and drink and the service organizations also provided the children with a present from Father Christmas. Thomas More School also provided a mountain of gifts which were then also distributed to the children.
As was the case last year we received help from various quarters with the most notable support being from Berea 189 and Wandsbeck 187 who helped on stage and with front of house.
Yagenderan created a completely new character in the guise of Spider-ou and gave Jeron run for his money.
We had a patron wearing a Superman T-shirt who was then (quite accidentally) incorporated into the show when Spiderman took his sweet time getting on stage.
Newly inducted Kloof tabler, Carl, was cast as Noddy and given a baptism of fire with Ross and Yari trying desperately to get him to say more than his allocated lines. He adapted nicely to his constant change of partner with Big Ears being played by Yagenderan, Yari and Lance (a potential guest on his first visit) on various nights.
The last night saw the return to stage of 2 of Kloof’s veteran performers: Eden Wildy and Kevin Turner in what was probably their last official Uncle Jumbo performance. Their experience combined totaled almost 20 years and it was nice to see the Mick and Plod that people had grown up with for one last time.
This year 2818 patron visited the show which was down 300 from last year and money raised was also slightly down from last year because of this. The feedback from the patrons was good and although several children were frightened each night with the opening ‘Great Escape’ scene nobody complained about it. The general feeling was that the beginning added an element of drama and tension to the show while the talent present on stage, behind the lights and controlling the sounds helped create a show full of mystery, fun and exceptional entertainment for young and old alike.
It was business as usual in December 2009 for Kloof 190 and it will probably remain this way for a good few years to come with fellowship, fundraising and community service combining in what is now a highly anticipated event.
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