South Africa’s ‘Prince of the piano’ and larger than life entertainment celebrity, Ian Von Memerty, joins forces with the popular Centrestage band to make a triumphant return to the Boardwalk Amphitheatre, reprising their hit tribute to Elton John Honky Cats on 2 and 3 March 2018.
“Honky Cats promises fans a close-to-the-real-thing music experience as the talented cast of entertainers relive on stage some of his greatest hits of all time. This show was a sellout success when it last came to our stage and we are thrilled to be bringing it back again,” says Siphokazi Ngombane, PR & Promotions Manager at The Boardwalk.
Following their recent critically acclaimed run at Peter Toerien’s Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay earlier in January, the Centrestage band is fired up and as tight as ever, with the explosive combination of talents destined to amaze local audiences as much as they did those in the Western Cape.
Cape Town critics raved, The Cape Robyn describing the show as “… way more than a tribute. It felt like we had stumbled in on Elton himself playing with a darn good rock n’ roll band in a plush theatre by the sea, and how lucky we are to be in that audience in Camps Bay!”
International theatre impresario and owner of Theatre on the Bay Peter Toerien himself enthused on opening night “WOW Ian you amazed me again! Move over Elton we have our own. You are SUCH a great entertainer. A million congratulations for last night!”
So a thrilling journey through John’s extraordinary and evergreen songs awaits for anyone who missed the original run, starting way back with “Your Song”, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues”, through blazing ballads such as “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”, to hits such as “I’m Still Standing” and “Crocodile Rock”.
Having spent forty years as an international superstar, Elton John has earned a warehouse of accolades, including an Academy Award, a Tony Award and a handful of Grammy Awards, along with numerous nominations on all three platforms, all paying tribute to his songwriting and performing genius.
John’s brilliant and versatile music, in combination with Bernie Taupin’s poetic lyrics, Tim Rice’s witty wordplay, a great rocking band, and Von Memerty’s experience as real showman and master musician means that audiences are in for a night that will have them rocking in their chairs, clapping their hands, and humming some of the greatest songs ever.
The Centrestage band which will back Von Memerty consists of musical director Wayne Kallis on vocals and acoustic guitar, Gino Fabbri on drums, Andrew Warneke on bass, Boet Strydom on keyboards, Curtis Kettledas on sax and ex-Clout and Little Sister guitarist Sandy Robbie.
“This is a show for both casual Elton John followers and true fans”, says Centrestage’s Gary Hemmings.
“With such an incredible and expansive songbook to choose from, the show covers most of his biggest hits, but also includes wonderful renditions of songs such as ‘Burn Down the Mission’, ‘Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting’, ‘Bennie and the Jets’, ‘The Bitch is Back’ and ‘Philadelphia Freedom’.”
Tickets for Honky Cats are available online via Computicket or by calling Wendy on 082 661 6921. Tickets cost R150 per person or R130 per person for blocks of eight or more. A special R100 pensioner’s special is applicable and a limited no of free tickets for children under 18 will be available to anyone who books through Wendy before 26 February. Shows on 2 and 3 March at the Boardwalk Amphitheatre start at 20h00 and doors open at 19h00.
Alan Straton
Latest posts by Alan Straton (see all)
- South African Artist MARTHINUS Releases Debut Single - 6 November 2026
- MARTHINUS Releases Heartfelt Debut ‘i miss us not trying’ - 6 November 2026
- LaserWeeder Hire Runs Laser Units for SA Vegetable Growers - 6 November 2026
- HandPrinter Art Runs Linocut Workshops and Beginner Kits - 6 November 2026
- Feature Equipment Adds AM.CO.ZA Tooling and Laser Spares Shelf - 6 November 2026
