Siya Kolisi serenades Marc Lottering at the opening of new show

Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi made a surprise appearance at the Baxter Theatre when he joined Marc Lottering on stage at the opening night of Colleen the Musical.

The moment unfolded at the end of the performance, when Kolisi walked onto the stage to congratulate Lottering on the launch of his splinternuwe show.

After a pep talk from the two-time World Cup-winning kaptein, the skipper sang Happy Birthday to him. Lottering’s birthday was celebrated on Thursday, 4 December adding to the significance of the surprise.

Speaking on stage, Kolisi said: “Marc and I’ve been friends for a very long time and he has been a blessing in my life.

"His shows are funny but also very educational. They address many things that are difficult to speak about but he brings so much love and joy that we are able to speak about them.

“Marc has an amazing gift and I’m so grateful that he can make us laugh in difficult times to help us get through hardships.”

Colleen the Musical marks Lottering’s latest theatrical work and debuted in Cape Town at the end of November.

The show brings together an experienced creative team. It is produced by Anwar Mc Kay and directed by Lara Foot. Musical direction is by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder, while choreography is handled by Grant Van Ster.

According to the production’s description, Colleen the Musical explores the challenges of true love in a fast-paced retail environment. The narrative is set among cashiers, customers, cigarette counters and supervisors, using this setting to examine relationships and the pressures surrounding them.