Madame Zingara has returned to Durban shores with their sensational After Forever Tour taking place at Suncoast. The Socialite was there to check it out…

The dinner cirque spectacular is not new to the entertainment scene and has had audiences enthralled and mesmerized since early 2007. It has now returned this year bigger and better than ever before. The unique concept merges live performances with a four course meal and the string of creative artists and staff create an atmosphere which transcends traditional supper theatre. Anything is possible and anything can happen which our presenter Chia Kougianos soon discovered…

The After Forever Tour promises to dazzle with a brand new show, a decadent new menu and an opulent interior. All the magic you’d expect from South Africa’s ultimate night out, plus a little extra and that little extra makes this years’ experience all that more memorable.

Upon arriving guests are ushered into one of the last remaining antique mirror-tents in the world which at first glance is completely fascinating. The new interior explores an enchanted forest theme and comprises of both local and international acts.

Mother Nature clearly did not receive the memo on Durban’s opening night as VIP guests, friends in media and a host of Durban’s finest gathered in anticipation to experience all that is Madame Zingara.

Walking into the spectacular interior and witnessing the new décor soon had us forgiving the healthy downpour and settled in at the bar for a welcome drink. A mental note was made to take a few signature pics at the entrance where a larger than life heart-shaped arch, a pink and white plastic cow and giant lollipops greeted you on arrival weather permitting.

Soon the lights dimmed and the guests had all gathered.  I looked on over to friends Devon, Barry, Kirsty and Amith who were ready for whatever lay ahead and the night turned into one of those unforgettable experiences we could fondly look back on for many years to come. There were fairy tale characters and waiters in outrageous outfits from swimming costumes to leather and lace to sassy cabaret numbers and nothing was ever as one would imagine. Soon the show began and staff were on point with their smooth delivery of starters and mains with immaculate timing and attention to detail.

The live acts were completely varied yet shared the same passion and stage presence to capture the attention of the audience and have them transfixed on what was to come. The performances ranged from a Russian beauty in a bath to the sassy musicians The Specifics to the the Ikarian Games act with an ode to human juggling. Walter and Ezequiel of Gauchos Boleadoras bring a little bit of Argentina and a whole lot of talent to the stage in a dance coupled with drum beats and staccato rhythm created completely by the sound of hand held bollas hitting the floor. Then again one cannot fail to mention Mr C who hosts the evening’s performances and is a true legend to many and quite the enigma.

No two acts were the same and each time the audience was quiet in intense anticipation and then loud in overwhelming applause. After two acts and a small intermission the varied performances came to an end but the night was still young. The audience was encouraged to join in on stage and dance, and dance we did into the early hours of the morning with tomorrow’s deadlines a distant memory.

It’s no surprise that the impressive production is affectionately known as the Theatre of Dreams and the Grande Dame of burlesque as it’s easy to see why. By the end of the evening we had indulged in wine and conversation with an Argentian drummer, experimented in an early morning photo shoot outside with a 6 ft. heart as a backdrop, taken a few too many selfies and Kirsty and I even rode the pink and white cow.

It’s true what they say – anything is possible at Madame Zingara and it delivers on its every promise to captivate and entertain all who dare enter through the doors…