By Nangamso Mabindla
6 March 2006

EAST London theatregoers should clear their diaries for the month of March and head off to the Guild Theatre, which has loads of entertainment lined up.

The fun starts on Monday, 6 March when popular singer Deon Esterhuizen performs songs from his album My Meisiekind as well as favourites 'Suspicious' and 'Moeder U Was My Lig', says theatre manager Zane Flanagan.

Tickets for the one-off show are R40 and can be bought from the Guild Theatre box office.

For an evening of nostalgia, join Eugene de Wett on 10 and 11 March when he sings a host of golden oldies, including Elvis Presley's 'Are you Lonesome Tonight', 'Summer of 69' by Brian Adams and Robbie Williams' 'Feel' and She's the One'.

Tickets range from R35 for scholars to R45 for adults.

Hot on the heels of De Wett's performances is the Stirling High School presentation of Footloose, a modern musical that promises to take theatre lovers on a nostalgic trip to the 1980s.

The musical is about a teenager from the big city who is forced to conform when he and his mother move to a small, narrow-minded, anti-dancing town.

"Fast paced dances, beautiful musical numbers and outstanding acting will definitely keep the audience on the edge of their seats as everybody cuts footloose," says Flanagan.

The show starts on 14 March and runs until 18 March. Tickets are R40 for adults and R25 for students.

Brass band lovers are also catered for as the Guild Theatre, along with the National Arts Council, brings East Londoners the Solid Brass Quintet.

In addition to performing, the quintet will hold a workshop at the theatre. "Their focus will be on instrumentals," says Flanagan, "but other music students are welcome to attend as well. It promises to be fun."

The workshop is from noon to 3pm on Thursday, 23 March, with the concert on in the evening, from 7.30pm.

Entrance to the workshop is free. Concert tickets are R35 for adults and R20 for scholars.

Finally, on 27 March, the Guild Theatre will host a festival in search of local music and drama talent. Entrance is free.

For more information contact the Guild Theatre on 043 743 0704.