Everyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE Marc Lottering’s brand of comedy. You can read about his previous shows that I have written about here and here. From the time he was an up-and-coming young comedian, when I lived in Cape Town back in the day, we have supported his shows, and he never fails to deliver in tickling one’s funny bones! If you are also a loyal fan, you will know that Marc started out doing shows with various characters, and Aunty Merle from Belgravia Road in Athlone (which is just up the road from where I actually grew up, on the Cape Flats) was one such delightuful and colourful character.

Now, Aunty Merle’s character has been developed into a full blown show of its own, and it’s finally coming to Johannesburg!

Marc Lottering’s most beloved alter ego, Aunty Merle Abrahams, sashays onto the stage for the first time in Johannesburg with “Aunty Merle The Musical” from 1 February until 3 March 2019 on The Mandela Stage at the Joburg Theatre.

Written by comedian, Marc Lottering and directed by Lara Foot, the show has received four Fleur du Cap nominations and has already enjoyed two sell-out seasons in Cape Town to rave reviews.

High drama unfolds in Belgravia Road, Athlone, as Merle’s daughter, Abigail, announces her engagement to her boyfriend, Alan.  As Merle puts it: “He’s a good looking white chap!”  But it’s never smooth-sailing in the world of musicals when Abigail’s twisted and corrupt ex, Denver Paulse – who holds a dodgy top job with the SABC – is determined to get her back and if not, threatens to reveal a very dark secret which is bound to tear the lovers apart.

“Aunty Merle The Musical” boasts a talented South African cast including Marc Lottering as Aunty Merle, Tracey-Lee Oliver as Abigail, Paul du Toit as Alan, Loukmaan Adams as Denver Paulse, with a stellar supporting cast including Royston Stoffels, Tankiso Mamabolo, Gina Shmukler, Adrian Galley, Carmen Maarman, Zandile Madliwa, Sizwesandile Mnisi, Anzio September, Crystal Finck and Austin Rose – accompanied by a live 8-piece band.

Twenty-two original songs, with lyrics by Marc Lottering and Tarryn Lamb, musical direction by Alistair Izobel and choreography by Grant Van Ster, have earned the cast thunderous standing ovations.

“Aunty Merle The Musical” is suitable for all ages (no under 3’s).  Tickets from R145, are available through Webtickets and Pick ‘n Pay outlets.  Performances are Wednesdays to Saturdays at 8pm, with matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm.  Visit www.joburgtheatre.com for more information.

Join in the conversation online with #MerleInJozi:

Facebook: @Marc Lottering and @auntymerlethemusical

Twitter: @marclottering

Instagram: @marc_lottering