Review: THE OTHER SIDE at Kaha Theatre

The Other Side is Kaha's third production, following Sunset Boulevard and Pride and Prejudice. While the two previous shows are well known, Pride and Prejudice was changed up for audiences with inclusion of Carpenters songs to the play. An interesting idea which I sadly did not get to see.

This is an original work, including mostly well known songs and a plot that was vaguely reminiscent of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, but without the mad humour that accompanied that story.

The show begins with long time married couple Jack (played by Stuart Knight) and Mary (Victoria Nelson) experiencing marriage difficulties. Mary suspects (rightly) that Jack is having an affair and that their relationship is on the brink (Song-You don't bring me flowers). Jack then leaves and meets up with Jo, his lover and also the female singer in the band he is in (played by Debi Blignaut). Both are about to interview Billy (Neo Knight) to convince him to join their band. Once he has agreed to play with them, the band (and manager Mary) set off for a gig in small town Rosville.  They get into the band van (a wonderful set piece that the audience really appreciated) and head off. While heading through a remote area, they have an accident and the only place anywhere near where they can get help is the run down house at the top of the hill. Leon (played by Arie Blignaut) is the master of the house and he has a young woman staying with him, his ward  called Delilah (Phoebe Blignaut).  All is not as it seems and the house and its inhabitants begin to change the lives of everyone there.

For the first 40 minutes of the show, it appeared that the entire show was going to be played in front of the curtains at the theatre, but once we arrived at the house, the curtains were drawn and the magnificent set was revealed. It was an excellent reveal and mention must be made of the set design (Tina Carter) and construction (Stuart Knight). Great work.

The range of songs was really interesting and eclectic, from a Bond song (You only live twice) to Country (Joeline), 60's greats (Bad moon rising and House of the rising sun), show tunes (Maybe this time) and many many more.  I listed 25 that I knew but there were a couple I couldn't place.  How many shows would you see that had a chilling version of Nick Cave's Red Right Hand, followed by a Line Dancing Bad moon rising number?

I really enjoyed the mix of songs and while the story was a bit flawed, the whole thing really worked for me. I did feel that the show was probably 20-30 minutes too long and there were a couple of numbers that did not progess the story that could be omitted if it were performed again. 

All of the performers sang well, most with excellent diction, meaning I heard every word of some classic songs that I hadn't heard before. The stand out numbers for me were "I know him so well" by Victoria Nelson and Debi Blignaut and "Red Right Hand" by Arie Blignaut. 

Acting was slightly uneven throughout the performance, with a couple of missed opportunities to ramp up tension, but most held their characters well. I did think the wee ghost girl who appeared a couple of times (Frankie Blignaut) was especially creepy!

The venue was unknown to me, but had excellent access and parking. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this performance and think most would come away from it with a smile on their face and remembering one, if not more, of the myriad songs throughout.

It was a pity that the performance I saw was so poorly attended. It deserved a far bigger audience and hopefully this review prompts some of you to get along and see it. Community theatre is worth supporting, especially something as original as this.  Tickets are available via the link on this page. 

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