It’s been two decades since the world was introduced to the antics of Cape Town’s most famous barbers, and to celebrate, Boeta Gamat and Boeta Joe came back to the stage to show just why we will never forget them.
For three nights in a row, GrandWest’s Grand Arena was packed to the rafters as 15 000 people came to see the cast of Joe Barber in action once again.
Actors Oscar Petersen and David Isaacs, the two brains behind the show, say this tribute was all for the fans.
Boeta Gamat, his wife Washiela, Boeta Joe, and of course Outjie had mense in stitches, while entertainers such as Early B, YoungstaCPT and Shaleen-Surtie Richards also popped in to say hi.
RAP HAPPY: Award-winning star YoungstaCPT. Picture: Jack Lestrade
The energetic rappers lifted the roof, while Surtie-Richards was hailed for being a trailblazer for coloured and black actors, breaking barriers since apartheid.
Maestro Camillo Lombard and some of his students, aka Big C and the Low Fades, added a nice touch as they sang during scenes, while Washiela, who was “stage manager” for the night, made sure everything went according to plan.
The audience was taken back to 20 years ago, when Petersen and Isaacs were struggling actors trying to make a living, and came up with the concept of Joe Barber.
As in the old days, members of the audience took part, and six people were brought on stage to “sweep the barbershop” and play a few games.
Isaacs and Petersen thanked mense for their continued support and the actors gave heavy hints of a 21st anniversary show next year.