The Visit

4.58 (60)

The Visit

12 performances between Oct. 16, 2017 and Oct. 28, 2017
Comedy Drama
Written, directed and produced by Brent Palmer • Starring Jenny Stead • Euodia Samson • Pierre Malherbe • Clyde Berning
75mins
The_Visit_SWP7024_A4.jpeg The_Visit_SWP6950_A4.jpeg

Luke is a great guy! He loves his wife Vanessa, his two healthy boys and his home. But Luke hates his life! He dislikes teaching drama at the local school and loathes being a failed actor even more. When Jacob, his best friend from university, now a Hollywood star, comes to dinner, all of Luke’s jealousies come rushing to the fore. Luke’s insecurities are heightened by the presence of Jacob’s girlfriend, ‘B Movie’ starlet Jackie Lodin, and not least by the fact that Jacob and Vanessa are old sweet-hearts, setting the stage for an evening of high drama, tension and hilarity

'The Visit is a comedy drama with awkward consequences. It deals with what happens when an old friend, now a Hollywood star, returns home 

Jenny Stead:

Jenny obtained her honours degree in Drama from the University of Stellenbosch where she was nominated for a Fleur du Cap for most promising student. After graduating she won a Vita award for best new actress for her performance as a chain smoking, cocai snorting, troubled copy writer in Fiona Coyne's smash hit comedy 'Glass Roots'. Jenny has forged a career playing diverse roles from the tragic Ophelia in Stephen Berkoff's 'The Secret Live Life of Ophelia' to the ditzy Brooke in the hilarious 'Noises off'. Jenny won a Fleur du Cap for her performance as a dying succubus in Reza de Wet's 'Breathing In, followed by a tour throughout the USA and Europe with the New York Collonade Theatre's production of the politically charged, 'Truth In Translation'. Jenny was nominated for her 3rd Fleur du Cap for playing Janet in the Rocky horror Show which played to sold out houses for over 300 shows. Her film credits include 'The Poseidon Adventure', 'Starship Troopers 3' and the golden globe nominated 'Restless'. Look out for Jenny in the NSFW NBC grindhouse tv series 'Blood Drive' where she plays a middle American, suburban housewife, serial killer!

Pierre Malherbe:

The UCT trained Pierre Malherbe has acted in a number of plays over the last three decades, including highlights like: Beautiful Thing, Under the Oaks, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Noises Off, The Tent, King Lear, Sexual Perversity In Chicago, and Urban Death . 

In recent years he has mostly been associated with the plays of Louis Viljoen; having appeared in CHAMP, Porno 88, The Kingmakers and The Eulogists.

He has dabbled in stand-up comedy, doing the Cape Town club circuit, and performed three self penned one-man shows: Duncan Farenheit’s Acoustic Jam Sandwich, Duncan Farenheit and the Lank Tired Okes and Another Friggin’ Tribute Show.

He has had roles in television series including: Black Sails, , Dominion, Roots, Madiba, Land of Thirst ,Traffic, the upcoming Troy: Fall Of A City as well as numerous South African sitcoms.

Pierre’s many film credits include: Chronicle; Second Skin; Styx; Bypass; Death Race 2, and acclaimed short films such as Barroom; Lazy Susan; The Bison Brothers - which he also co wrote and co directed; the SAFTA award-winning Armed Response; and Snap! which was part of Cape Town’s 48 hour film project in 2014, and for which he received a best actor nomination.

Brent Palmer:

Brent is an award winning writer, actor and comedian. He has worked extensively in TV, film and Theatre. His most recent TV credits include roles in ‘Tali’s Wedding Diary’, ‘Those who Can’t’ and ‘Jamilla and Alladin’. Brent has also acted in a number of theatre productions including award winning play ‘A Steady Rain’, alongside Nicholas Pauling, ‘The Father’ alongside Marius Wyers and Louis Viljoen’s play The Kingmakers. In 2012 Brent wrote and acted in ‘Bench’, a Fleur Du Cap nominated script, in which he appeared alongside Adrian Collins. Brent also wrote ‘Witnesses’ which won the Fleur Du Cap for best direction award for Mathew Wilde in 2005 

Together with BenchFilms; Brent co-produced, wrote and appeared in the 2015 SAFTA winning short film ‘Picture Perfect Heist’. The team are currently developing a funded feature film of the same name. Brent wrote, directed and acted in a short film called ‘The Agency’ which made the top three at the Schnit film festival

Brent has used his comedic talents to direct successful shows for comedians such as Nik Rabinowitz, Siv Ngesi, Gaetan Schmit, Stuart Taylor and many more. Brent is a regular feature at the Cape Town Comedy Club and has worked alongside comedians like John Vlismas, Mel Miller and Trevor Noah. Brent is also currently directing Siv Ngesi’s new stand up show for the Baxter called SIV-ILIZED

He regularly uses his skills in the corporate world where he presents workshops on story, communication and presentation skills. 

Clyde Berning:

Clyde graduated from UCT with a degree in Theatre & Performance. He then went on to play Laertes in 'Hamlet', Eros in 'Antony & Cleopatra', Slim in 'Cowboy Mouth', Mark Dolson in 'Mass Appeal', Dakin in 'The History Boys', and more recently, Nick Arnstein in 'Funny Girl'. He won a Naledi award for his portrayal of Dakin in 'The History Boys' (2011). He has also appeared in local and international series and films such as 'Black Sails', 'Dominion', 'Cape Town', 'Known Gods', 'Montana', 'The Mating Game' and 'Shooting Stars'. He lives in Cape Town with his wife and three kids. 

Euodia Samson:

Euodia Samson is a South African actress best known for her roles in the television series SOS, Big Okes, Madam & Eve (ETV) and Fishy Feshuns.
She was also a cast member of the SABC2 variety comedy series Colour TV(SABC2), in 2011.

Other television series she has acted in include Backstage, Tussen Duiwels(SABC2), Newshounds and Khululeka(SABC2).

She has also acted in several films including Cape of Good Hope, Ali Barber, Crossroads and Black Butterfly.

Euodia has acted in numerous theatre productions including Freaks, A Winter's Tale, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Dying Breed and Sister Breyani.

 She studied a Performer's Diploma in Speech and Drama at the University of Cape Town, graduating in 1993.

Since 1993 she worked for CAPAB Also on their Schools Programme, War on Waste. Featured in the production Dying Breed. Appeared in Roxy for the Baxter Theatre.

Played Mustardseed in Maynardville's 1995 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Vatmaar (2003).

In 2005 participated in The Baxter Storytelling Festival at The Baxter Theatre Centre (in association with Sibikwa Community Theatre Project). Die Joseph en Mary Affair (Vleis, Rys en Aartappels, 2008).

Radio work includes Goud en Silwer, a drama for the SABC. Did promotional videos for Sanlam and Old Mutual.

Audience Responses

Thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance of the Venue. Intimate theatre and a great bar to relax in afterwards to discuss the play. Great that Brent Palmer who wrote The Visit joined us as well.

Elizabeth • Attended Oct. 23, 2017, 7 p.m.

Super evening - it was a first visit for my wife and I and the Alexander didn't disappoint. The place has a lovely ambience and everyone, including the staff, seem to be constantly smiling. :-) The show - we saw "The Visit" blew us over - much more professional than we were expecting. Superb performance by all 4 actors. We will certainly be back. Soon.

Wayne wcooke • Attended Oct. 25, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

What a fabulous night out! Witty and engaging with typical Cape Town characters (and one ditsy porn star from LA).

Marianne • Attended Oct. 25, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

It was my first time at the venue. How awesome. I'm definitely coming back. I was transported to a quaint little theatre in Paris...in one night. Absolutely awesome. The Visit is an amazing production. I have to come back and see it again with a few friends, as I went alone last night. Lovely that one can meet the actors after the show downstairs. Well done Alexander Bar and The Visit cast.

070769722109 Mario Edward • Attended Oct. 16, 2017, 7 p.m.

Fantastic script, acting and venue. Doen so voort!

Annemarie • Attended Oct. 28, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

It was really good, funny and quite touching. We loved it.

vivien • Attended Oct. 25, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

We enjoyed it, but for all the wring reasons. Normally love your shows, but this one was pants. Looking forward to the next production, though!

Terence • Attended Oct. 18, 2017, 7 p.m.
1.0

Second time I have seen it and thought it was brilliant the second time around, my sister loved it too Hilarious and very well acted, loved it!

Jane • Attended Oct. 25, 2017, 7 p.m.

great play, funny and with great changes and a great insight on how an evening like this could happen to any of us. Recognizable! 'might see it again!

Willem • Attended Oct. 16, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

The show was excellent. Very cleverly put together. And all the actors were top class. What a fabulous show. You need to put it on again as there must be so many people who would still like to see it. The meal afterwards was first class and the staff supper. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening there.

Pixie • Attended Oct. 28, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Good script, well acted and laughed a lot. Thanks for a good play and a lovely evening

Estelle • Attended Oct. 27, 2017, 7 p.m.

Great performances! Fun night out ????????

Shannon • Attended Oct. 27, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

LOved it

Kristy • Attended Oct. 16, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

The cast well deserved the standing ovation at the end. Each actor was outstanding, the characters totally believable, the interactions perfectly timed, the directing and stage-setting superb. The play itself was beautifully crafted, topical yet timeless. Six stars. More productions from this professional, talented bunch, PLEASE.

John • Attended Oct. 27, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

I didn't like it at all. There was much too much bad language. Jan Fatti

JAN • Attended Oct. 26, 2017, 7 p.m.

It was just the right amount of time It had really funny moments (e.g. The plastic furniture etc.) It brought to the fore conflicting contemporary issues e.g. Those who leave the beloved country

Linda • Attended Oct. 27, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

Always great to see a new play with so much going for it. Familiar dinner party-from-hell format very skillfully handled by writer/director and cast. Some very funny lines; sometimes tone unclear, esp in last scene. Hope it makes it to bigger (in all senses) stage. Another happy Alexander unveiling!

Nigel • Attended Oct. 23, 2017, 7 p.m.

Show was great, vibe wonderful and service could have been better when we had drinks but not a huge problem.

Di • Attended Oct. 25, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

What an awesome show - we absolutely loved every minute of it and are so pleased to have been part of such an world-class theatre experience.

Debby • Attended Oct. 25, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Most entertaining play Ive seen in a long while, thoroughly enjoyed it. Well written and incredibly well performed. Loved how it managed that fun local flavor to it, yet steered well clear of tired political agendas. I’m still chuckling to myself about the Nigeria comment! More of this please !! ????

Marlisa • Attended Oct. 28, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Brilliant.

Renee Margolite • Attended Oct. 27, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Another fantastic performance at Alexander Bar. Highly recommend.

angelika • Attended Oct. 20, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Superb - A-one - Cast deserved the standing ovation they got. Well done.

Grahame • Attended Oct. 25, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

Brilliant comedy, but with a poignancy that is utterly relevant to South Africa.

Milly • Attended Oct. 28, 2017, 4 p.m.
5.0

The play was brilliant and the actors were all excellent- highly recommended

Jane • Attended Oct. 19, 2017, 7 p.m.

Fabulous fun. One of the best ....

karin • Attended Oct. 28, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

It was an amazing show. Very funny and yet poignant. A play for our time. Thanks to the outstanding performers.

Judy • Attended Oct. 21, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Superb theatre! Congrats to playwright and all the actors. Wonderful ensemble. I listened to Africa Melane's review and booked immediately

Reinette • Attended Oct. 25, 2017, 7 p.m.

Absolutely brilliant

Richard • Attended Oct. 21, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Amazing show. Characters well cast. Jenny rocks! Very warm welcome beforehand and friendly staff. Lovely atmosphere.

Annamarie • Attended Oct. 20, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Side-splittingly funny, with well-placed serious moments and realy great acting! It was a great girls night out- we thoroughly enjoyed it!

Kristal • Attended Oct. 25, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

It s very entertaining and hilarious at times one could feel a dip in the flow so.

Joachim • Attended Oct. 17, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

It was very hot in the room.

catrien • Attended Oct. 27, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

Superb theatre! Congrats to playwright and all the actors. Wonderful ensemble

Reinette • Attended Oct. 25, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

All 3 of us really loved the play and the actors - a great evening of entertainment- 4.5 stars

Leigh Anne • Attended Oct. 23, 2017, 7 p.m.

Wonderful characters! A play that's very close to home - in a way we are all Luke and Vanessa.

Faatiema • Attended Oct. 23, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Superb theatre! Congrats to playwright and all the actors. Wonderful ensemble. I listened to Africa Melane's review and booked immediately

Reinette • Attended Oct. 25, 2017, 7 p.m.

Loved every single second.

Melissa • Attended Oct. 28, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

It was an amazing show. Very funny and yet poignant. A play for our time. Thanks to the outstanding performers.

Judy • Attended Oct. 21, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Fantastic show!

Billy • Attended Oct. 28, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

We particularly appreciate your relevant and practical advice about arrangements for parking and safety. The Visit ensured thst we will visit again.

Marius • Attended Oct. 25, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

Hilarious!!!

Lauri • Attended Oct. 20, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Good strong performances by all 4 actors. The accents also were well held. Good script and entertaining throughout.

philip • Attended Oct. 21, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

The acting was superb and the dialogue clever and witty!

vivien • Attended Oct. 27, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Loved it! thank you

Julie • Attended Oct. 26, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

The Visit was fantastic! It was funny, smart, and moving. For me, what makes a great show is when all the assembled pieces fit in just right together. The pieces in this play fit together perfectly. The chemistry between Jenny Stead, Euodia Samson, Pierre Malherbe, and Clyde Berning is visible and intense. The actors really deliver with the characters. I kept thinking, I know those people, I have met them, hell I might even be them, this is what made some of those cringe moments cringe. Incredible comedic timing. Brent Palmer has written something spectacular. It is an achievement to be able to write a funny play, where the jokes land perfectly and also manage to pull at the heartstrings of the audience with touching moments. Bravo!

Lwando • Attended Oct. 17, 2017, 7 p.m.
4.0

Fantastic show!

Billy • Attended Oct. 28, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

The acting was superb and the dialogue clever and witty!

vivien • Attended Oct. 27, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Brilliant.

Renee Margolite • Attended Oct. 27, 2017, 7 p.m.
5.0

Show was great, vibe wonderful and service could have been better when we had drinks but not a huge problem.