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Everybody’s Talking about the annual Impact Valentine’s Cabaret!

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Impact Community Theatre (formerly PE G&S Society) began the year with the much anticipated third edition of the Holiday Theatre Project for young people. Now it’s time for the grown-ups to have their own party at the annual Impact Valentine’s Cabaret, this year named “Everybody Talks”. The show features a fabulous line-up of local performers led by up and coming Director and Impact Team member, Danyke de Beer. “It’s my first Valentine’s show as Director and I want the audience to sing along, have a laugh, and enjoy a great night’s entertainment whether it’s couples, friends, family or your book club!” de Beer exclaimed.

De Beer is joined by Nande Mzaidume as Vocal Director and Ashleigh Maling-Nel as Choreographer, a power team from the dynamic new generation of theatre professionals in GQ. Danyke has specialised in Stage Management and lighting over the last 18 months as she completed her honours degree and is back in the Director’s chair after her first foray for 2023’s Blast from the Past. Mzaidume is an NMU graduate and outstanding performer who is establishing herself as skilled Vocal Director on her second show for Impact. Ashleigh Maling-Nel grew up dancing in her Mother’s studio and began running workshops at the Savoy aged just 13. An award-winning dancer, she has performed many times at the Savoy and choreographed for hits including Hairspray and Music! Movies! Magic!.

The cast features a diverse and exciting mix of youth and experience including audience favourites Lethabo Makuruetsa, Robert Gillmer, Annaline Stiglingh, Timothy Jacobs, Phil Cowie, Leandi Fontini, AJ Josephs and well known local MC, Actress, Teacher and Performer, Niqui Cloete-Barrass. Making their Valentine’s debut are Zukhanye Marasi, accomplished young Vocal Director Hannah Barth and artists from Grease and Hairspray including Oceana Petrus, Emma Harris and Caleb Zola. Another new addition is power duo Matt and Sharné Osborne whose son had so much fun in Music! Movies! Magic! they wanted to hit the stage as well. Production Manager Rose Cowpar said “It’s wonderful to know that the experiences of our cast members and crew not only inspire a love of theatre, it crosses generations and creates such special memories”.

Audiences will be singing and dancing along to hits from the charts, the classics, stage and screen with some surprise medleys and comedy numbers.  This year’s selection features songs made famous by the Bee Gees, Meghan Trainor, Bruno Mars, Natalie Cole, Ricky Martin, The Four Seasons, Neon Trees and many more. The popular guest artist spot is happening again this year and Impact has recruited the likes of Harrison Nash, Monique Hellenburg, Melissa Leander and Andre MacKay to join for one show only.

Everybody Talks runs from the 13 th to the 16 th of February 2025 at the Savoy Theatre with evening shows Thursday to Saturday at 7.00pm and 2.00pm matinees on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th. Tickets are just R140, or R980 for a table of 8 for all shows except on Saturday 15th when all tickets for the 2.00pm and 7.00pm shows are just R100. As a special Valentine’s treat, patrons enjoying the Valentine’s Day performance on Friday 14th February can choose a special package which includes a 3 course meal and the show for just R350pp. 

Tickets for all performances can be purchased online on Webtickets or at any Pick n Pay store. Bookings for the Valentine’s Meal and Show package as well as groups of 10 or more should be made with Rose Cowpar by Whatsapp 072 906 1977 or email info@impacttheatre.co.za.

Patrons can choose between table or row seating and are welcome to bring along snacks or a finger supper to enjoy during the show. The Savoy Bar and Coffee Bar will be open for all shows and finger snacks can be purchased to build your own platter. Delicious burgers will be sold at the weekend shows.

Although Impact are celebrating Valentine‘s Day, this is a show for everyone, not just couples – have a girl’s night out, get together with a group of friends or bring your work mates.  The Valentine’s Cabaret is the major G&S fundraiser for the year so please support Impact and keep the great theatre coming in 2025.

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Port Elizabethan

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