COLLEEN THE MUSICAL. Written by Marc Lottering. Directed by Lara Foot. Musical direction: Charl-Johan Lingenfelder. Set design: Patrick Curtis. Choreography: Grant Van Ster. With David Chevers, Carlo Daniels, Jill Levenberg, Marc Lottering, Sizwesandile Mnisi, Kate Normington, Anzio September, Sasha Duffy, Damian Jacobs, Sasha Nkonyana and Amy Rosslind. Baxter.
KAREN RUTTER reviews
Confession: I am a huge Colleen fan. So when I heard that our favourite cashier was getting a musical of her own, over the Christmas season, this was happiness. And of course, Marc Lottering has delivered. Once again he has devised, written and composed a full-length production that not only showcases one of his fabulous fictional characters, but generously opens the space up for others to also shine.
It all started with the Aunty Merle musicals – a trilogy of highly successful shows that elevated one of comedian Lottering’s stage personas to star billing status. The Aunty Merle productions also ran over the festive season, following a format that has proved to be immensely popular: a live band, energetic dancers, great actors and singers, an accessible lead character, and a storyline that blends some serious stuff with some very joyous moments.
And so it is with Colleen the Musical. With a few twists, as one has come to expect from Lottering. Colleen is a prickly protagonist, a cashier in a supermarket who shows her customers no mercy. She doesn’t suffer fools gladly – or at all, really. But in a twist of fate – well, due to a Tik Tok challenge, to be more accurate – Colleen gets a shot at romance. And that’s when things really start to hot up …
Festive season hit
Colleen the Musical is funny, poignant and sharp, covering several topical issues under the guise of being a comedy. Of course humour is the dominant theme – but there’s more, ranging from gay discrimination to lookism. The cast and band rise to the occasion with great gees, presenting as a tight and purposeful unit.
While everybody has their chance in the spotlight, there are obviously some larger parts in which the performers excel, including Carlo Daniels as the well-intentioned Randall, Jill Levenberg as the (famous) Bronwyn and Kate Normington as the alarming supervisor Bonzaaier. But of course it is Marc/Colleen’s show at the end of the day, and they have an absolute ball of it, alice band, colour-coded Crocs, and all.
Colleen the Musical overflows with heart, driven by a terrific ensemble, a superb band, brisk pacing and a storyline that lands its emotional punches. Once again, Marc Lottering has crafted something exceptional – and the Baxter has another festive season hit on its hands.
What: Colleen the Musical
Where and when: Baxter from 1 December 2025 until 7 February 2026
Tickets: Webtickets
WS
