Mense can’t get enough of Aunty Merle and her lagbol crew.
So it’s no surprise that the hit show Aunty Merle the Musical has been extended, now in its third season, at the Baxter Theatre to 12 January.
This means you’ll be able to see more of title character, played by comedian Marc Lottering, as well as veteran stage star Royston Stoffels, in the role of Aunty Merle’s husband, Dennis.
Royston, from Walmer Estate, is also father to their children Abigail (Tracey-Lee Oliver) and Carl (Anzio September).
The 66-year-old is an actor, musician and director and has been in theatre for nearly 40 years after retiring as a school teacher.
If you were a pupil in District Six in the 1970s and later in Mitchells Plain in the ’90s, you’d remember Mr. Stoffels from the various schools he taught at during those years.
He also has a deep passion for musical instruments and plays the piano, accordion, guitar, flute and mouth organ.
You’ll also recognise Royston from local movies such as Four Corners and Material.
LOVING HIS ROLE: Royston stars as Aunty Merle's husband, Dennis. Photo: Armand Hough / African News Agency (ANA)
“Music is my life, I live for music and then acting, and so I have this little room in my home where it’s just me and my instruments. I pick up any instrument and just play it,” he says.
In the musical, which boasts a seven-piece band, Dennis and Merle are planning their only daughter’s wedding, but she is troubled by a dark secret her ex-berk Denver Paulse (Loukmaan Adams) is threatening to verklap.
Dennis is a plumber “who has three boys working under him”, as Aunty Merle points out.
“I love playing the role of Dennis, and although our characters don’t relate at all, I still enjoy playing Aunty Merle’s loving husband,” says Royston.
“Playing in this production with Marc is hilarious, he always says and does things that make one burst out with laughter. People should really come and watch the show as they will be able to relate to everything in the show.”
Aunty Merle the Musical is currently running at the Baxter until 12 January.
Ticket prices range from R100 to R195 and are available from Webtickets, Pick 'n Pay and the Baxter box office on 021 685 7880.