By Nangamso Mabindla
3 July 2007

A DOSE of laughter and lots of music are sure to keep East London theatre fans warm this July.

Kick-starting the month at the Guild Theatre is the comedy, The Bats Loudly South African.

"This is a brand-new show that will take the audience on a taxi ride from the Cape to the townships, from the 1950s to now-now, with no stops, just laughs and hair-raising bends; and all four wheels are intact," says Guild manager Zane Flanagan.

The four wheels ensuring the show reaches its destination are Eddie Eckstein, Paul Ditchfield, Pete Clifford and Derek Gordon. The four-night show starts on Wednesday, 4 July and runs until Saturday, 7 July. Tickets are R60.

Hot on the heels of The Bats Loudly South African is the German-based Soko Jazz Band, presented by the provincial department of sports, recreation, arts and culture.

After some smooth jazz sounds, it’s back to laughter as funnyman Mark Sampson presents Missing Links.

A uniquely South African story, Missing Links takes the audience on a journey to discover how everyone on the planet has African roots. "Inspired by a visit to the Sterkfontein Cave, Sampson contemplates a South African future for his kids by looking back at the very origins of the human family, all the way from the great apes to George Bush," Flanigan explains.

The show is on Wednesday ,11 July and on Thursday, 12 July. Adults pay R80 and learners R50.

Local schools will also tread the boards. First up is a Selborne College – Clarendon Girls High School musical, Carnival.

"Performed in South Africa for the first time, this American musical promises to provide a wonderful evening of entertainment. The show is based on the movie Lili and includes exciting dances, magic, juggling, puppets and animals, as well as a super musical score."

The musical runs from Wednesday, 25 July to Saturday, 28 July; tickets are R40 for adults and R20 for learners.

Not to be outdone, Stirling High and Primary schools present the Stirling Music Spectacular, featuring choirs, bands and soloists from both schools.

Completing the July line-up, there will be a tribute to composer Andrew Lloyd Webber on 27 and 28. Performed by Evan Schoombie, Lida de Villiers and Herber Burmeister, the production will feature music from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats and Phantom of the Opera, among other musicals by Webber.

Tickets are R70. For more in formation these and other upcoming shows contact the Guild Theatre on 043 743 0704.