Sweetie Darling, Comedy
Venue: Princess Alice
Next Performance: Tuesday 1 July 20:00
Preview/review
By Nomfundo Mbatha
Get ready for a heart-warming, laughter-filled journey with Sweetie Darling, a one-person romantic comedy starring the charismatic performer Bongani Mbatha, written by Clinton Marius and directed by Ralph Lawson.
Mbatha is a versatile South African actor, writer, director and independent theatre producer. He has starred in acclaimed stage productions like Sweetie Darling, Sophiatown, and Dusted Gold, and he has appeared on TV in shows such as Uzalo, Durban Gen, and many more.
Growing up, Mbatha played soccer, but the arts resonated with him. “I have always been in art, I have always found myself in art, unaware,” he said.
His work is rooted in social commentary. “I learned about issue-driven theatre, where the play is shaped by real issues like drugs, alcohol, social pressure, or even parenting,” he said. “It’s about telling stories that matter.”
Set in a quiet park, where a hopeful man prepares a simple yet meaningful picnic to impress the woman of his dreams, it falls deep into the trials of love, the awkward beauty of courtship, and the unexpected paths of personal growth. While it promises plenty of laughs, the play carries a powerful message: in love, one must give fully, love unconditionally, and be willing to go all out for the person who captures your heart.
For Mbatha, stepping into this emotionally rich role was not without its own challenges. In the middle of rehearsals, he landed a role on a TV show – a major opportunity that unfortunately clashed with his theatre schedule. But with dedication and passion, he pushed through, managing to balance both commitments and bring a performance to the stage that is honest, vibrant, and profoundly moving.
Sweetie Darling promises more than just entertainment – it is an invitation to reflect on how we love, why we love, and what we are willing to risk for it. With its unique blend of humour and heart, this play is not to be missed.
Whether you are in love, recovering from love, or searching for it, Sweetie Darling will leave you smiling and maybe even looking at your own love story a little differently. On the first day of the play, we had couples watching and enjoying while holding hands.
