Comedy review: We on Air 69.45FM

WE ON AIR 69.45FM, presented by DK Arts Resource, written and directed by Ricky Bopape (fringe comedy, Drill Hall, today at midday, tomorrow at 10am, Saturday at 2pm):

Reviewed by Leon Muston, Arts Editor

I MADE the mistake of seeing this radio-related comedy immediately after the similarly themed production Late Night Radio, which is by far the stronger of the two.

But it’s probably best to evaluate this show on its own merits, rather than by comparison with its contemporaries.

We on Air 69.45FM is acted out as an hour of live radio. To the left of the stage you have the studio, with a host, co-host and news reader keeping the show on air.

To the right, you have a physical theatre presentation of the various things you are hearing – the snippets of news from the bulletin, the sports stories, the songs and the adverts.

And it’s in this aspect, rather than what’s happening in the studio, where the real comedy lies.

The production takes pot shots at Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, Robert McBride, Robert Mugabe, Jacob Zuma, Thabo Mbeki and Lebo M among others.

Although a good concept and well-written, it doesn’t seem particularly polished, and would probably better after a few months of rehearsing and perfecting what works and what doesn’t.

But nonetheless, the audience seemed to really enjoy it.

However, be warned: although there is no age restriction indicated, some of the content is rather adult and a group of primary school children in the audience seemed rather embarrassed and disturbed by some of the scenes.

 

 

 

Tags: adverts, comedy review, Jacob Zuma, Lebo M, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, newsreader, radio, Robert McBride, Robert Mugabe, Thabo Mbeki