Marc Lottering as Aunty Merle.
Legendary Woodstock comedian Marc Lottering, 55, is lighting up the stage with his latest Aunty Merle production, currently playing at the Baxter Theatre.
Aunty Merle Things Get Real is a post-pandemic story that has heart, he says.
Merle Abrahams from Belgravia Road has survived Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions and is just about finding her way through the darkness of load shedding. This time around, however, things are about to get very real as Dennis, her loving husband, has been found to be keeping a secret from her. One that has affected his heart.
Lottering says he loves the character and the idea of Aunty Merle starring in her third musical comedy! “So the very idea of once again being able to step into her heels and take to the stage alongside phenomenal performers puts a huge grin on my face.”
The character is a blend of various people. “Her mannerisms, what she wears, what she says, I've drawn all of those things from recognisable ladies around me whilst growing up,” he says. As for the name, Merle, he liked the gentle and pampered sound of it.
Aunty Merle has been playing to full audiences at the Baxter Theatre since Aunty Merle the Musical premiered five years ago. The follow-up, Aunty Merle – It’s A Girl, was as successful, and the latest edition continues in the same vein.
Lottering says the nightly standing ovations received since the play started at the end of last month are a testament to the fans loving the heartbeat of the play.
“What comes out of Aunty Merle's mouth is often outrageous. People love her because they know that aunty. That aunty is their mom, their sister, their friend,” he says.
The play is directed by Baxter CEO Lara Foot, and the cast includes Loukmaan Adams, Carmen Maarman, Royston Stoffels, Jawaahier Petersen, Anzio September, Tankiso Mamabolo, Crystal Finck, Madeegha Anders and Shaun Oelf.
“Some of the cast have been part of the journey since it's inception five years ago. The band members and the actors are just phenomenal. Every single one of us is integral to the story,” says Lottering.
He adds: “I draw my material from daily life. When I'm doing my stand-up, I often talk about what I'm going through. When audiences respond well to the stories, it's usually because they totally identify with the story.”
Aunty Merle Things Get Real is at the Baxter Pam Golding Theatre until Saturday January 21 with shows starting at 7.30pm and 3pm for Saturday matinees. Tickets range from R180 to R260. Book through Webtickets or at Pick n Pay stores. For block bookings, contact Leon van Zyl at leon.vanzyl@uct.ac.za or call 021 680 3972.