Fresh from the Fairy Academy, Thando is on a mission to bring the Christmas Spirit to the town of Eziyolo. But on the way, thugs rob him.
Fresh from the Fairy Academy, Thando is on a mission to bring the Christmas Spirit to the town of Eziyolo. But on the way, thugs rob him.
The plot that follows involves the greedy owner of Kwam Emankandla B&B, the police constable on whom she has a lustful eye, his boss – the station comissioner and two taxi drivers.
Looting comes into the picture, as the Ubom! cast come delightfully close to the bone in a colourful and energetic play that is perfect for Christmas in Grahamstown – with all its contradictions and complexities.
Ubom! a masters of characterisation and the company makes Thando's Christmas Box come alive. Firm and full of expression, Ntomboxolo Donyeli is the star of the show as the station commissioner – complete with bobby's helmet.
Her junior – Khaya Kondile – is the perfect foil to a performance that uses slapstick with great effect.
The taxi drivers – Ayanda Nondlwana and Mzwanele Jodwana – come into the plot as Thando tells them about being robbed of the Spirit of Christmas.
"We've heard people in our taxis talking about such things," they say. Anele Heshu, as Thando, is completely charming and Sisonke Donyeli as the B&B owner does a thoroughly good job of being selfish and wicked.
Public performances of this fantastic show directed by Luvuyo Yanta are over for now – but if they schedule some extra shows – and they really should – then please get there. Take kids – lots of them, the grown-up ones too!
