Art
Local Celeb Cat Skabenga – Poses For Portraits
The well loved Royal Resident Feline at The Oyster Box, Skabenga has made Umhlanga’s ‘grand old dame’ his permanent home for many years – more than we know. Since his arrival he has made himself quite at home. He laps up the luxury of The Oyster Box and of course all the attention visitors to the hotel give him.
If you manage to pop into The Oyster Box at any given time you are sure to see Skabenga stretched the length of himself. In the entrance to the hotel, on loungers by the pool, on his favourite chair… anywhere of his choosing. He is Royalty after all.
On one occasion, I have (admittedly) searched high and low for him and may (or may not) have posed for selfies.
Posing for portraits
Local artist Mandy Brockbank has painted some uniquely beautiful acrylic canvas portraits of our dear Skabenga. These are currently available for sale at The Oyster Box. The portraits depict Skabenga going about his daily (and very important) cat-business at the hotel.
If you are not familiar with the name Mandy Brockbank, we suggest you memorize it. This year she has showcased her works at the ECR House and Garden Show and been commissioned both locally and internationally to paint various murals, bespoke shop walls and believe it or not one-of-a-kind furniture!
Mandy paints on everything paint sticks to. Her works are alive with colour, refreshing, unique and not to mention, the woman has talent! If you are looking for something unique and special for your home or office get in touch with Mandy (details at the end of this article).
Skabenga – by Mandy Brockbank
Posing for the Cats of Durban Calendar
Skabenga is a celebrity in his own right with his own dedicated Facebook page.
This year he had his very own Safari themed birthday bash and has also posed for the Cats of Durban 2019‘Working Cats’ calendar. This calendar is filled with spectacular images of “working cats” uniquely captured by photographer Brendan Bromfield.
All the proceeds from the sale of these calendars will be donated to NPO Cats of Durban, who sterilise stray / feral cats and help educate the community!
We at Durbanite love Skabenga and look forward to keeping up to date on his adventures in 2019 and of course having a few cocktails at The Lighthouse Bar while we stalk him secretly.
We also hope to see local and lekker talents like Mandy Brockbank becoming household names.
Contact info.
The Oyster Box: +27 31 514 5000
Mandy Brockbank: +27 83 991 3936
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Author: Tee
Back by popular demand, Durban comedy favourites Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert-McIlroy return to the Northlands Bowling Club, in Durban North for audiences who missed the show the first time around.
Expect old favourite characters and a soundtrack packed with thumping hits as McIlroy and Bobbert once again deliver their trademark blend of side-splitting humour, larger-than-life personalities, and musical mayhem!
Some characters to expect; Bruce and Charmaine as unforgettable Elvis impersonators, Dot and Max settling into the chaos of retirement village life, and everyone’s favourite philosopher of the people, Dr Veejay, offering his “words of wisdom.” Add in a host of hilarious new faces, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a fun night out!
Directed and choreographed by the sensational Daisy Spencer, Bump and Grind promises to keep audiences on their feet — or rolling in the aisles — with laughter, music, and McIlroy & Bobbert’s unbeatable comic chemistry.
- Venue: Northlands Bowling Club, Durban North
- Dates: Friday 27 & Saturday 28 March – 7:30pm (doors open 6pm) | Sunday 29 March 2026 – 6:30pm (doors open 5pm)
- Tickets: R220pp
- Bookings: Webtickets – BOOK HERE
Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or coming back for more, this is a musical comedy experience not to be missed.
Other Info to Note:
- Picnic baskets welcome
- Food and Drink on sale at the venue
- Full bar available (no alcohol may be brought onto the premises)
- Limited secure parking available
- All seats are allocated by the theatre management
- Tables seat 8
- Wheelchair friendly venue – contact 082 499 8636 to make arrangements
. 
Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
Durban comedy favourites Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert-McIlroy return to The Rhumbelow Theatre, in Umbilo this Valentines weekend with their new musical comedy – BUMP & GRIND, a high-energy musical sketch comedy that delivers a riotous mix of song, dance, quick-fire character comedy and heart.
Expect new characters, old favourites, and a soundtrack packed with thumping hits as McIlroy and Bobbert once again deliver their trademark blend of side-splitting humour, larger-than-life personalities, and musical mayhem!
Back by popular demand are Bruce and Charmaine as unforgettable Elvis impersonators, Dot and Max settling into the chaos of retirement village life, and everyone’s favourite philosopher of the people, Dr Veejay, offering his “words of wisdom.” Add in a host of hilarious new faces, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for Valentines fun!
Directed and choreographed by the sensational Daisy Spencer, Bump and Grind promises to keep audiences on their feet — or rolling in the aisles — with laughter, music, and McIlroy & Bobbert’s unbeatable comic chemistry.
- Venue: The Rhumbelow Theatre, Umbilo
- Dates: Friday 13 & Saturday 14 Feb – 7:30pm (doors open 6pm) | Sunday 15 Feb 2026 – 2pm (doors open 12.30pm)
- Tickets: From R180pp
- Bookings: Webtickets
Other Info to Note:
- Picnic baskets welcome
- Food and Drink on sale at the venue
- Full bar available (no alcohol may be brought onto the premises)
- Limited secure parking available
- All seats are allocated by the theatre management
- Tables seat 8
- Wheelchair friendly venue – contact 082 499 8636 to make arrangements
.
Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
