THE Royal Countess Zingara is into the sixth month of her residency at Century City, and the season must end on 17 May so she can pack up her glitter, sequins, smoke and mirrors, and head north. In the meantime, if you haven’t been yet, you’d better get booking. Even if you have been before, there are now two extremely good reasons to go again: Jonny Grundy and Manuel Artino from England and Sicily respectively.
These days we are all so antsy about objectifying bodies but if it’s true, then it must be said, and appreciated for what it is: They are gorgeous, exquisitely toned, strong and athletic, highly talented, and they know how to put on one of the hottest acts in town. It’s essentially an aerial act (two actually, as they are replacing the slots vacated by the Ukrainian twins Mykola and Andrii Pysiura); the one we saw last week included a bath tub, with water in it, so the front row is a splash zone. At least one person with an umbrella had been warned. Frankly I wouldn’t mind getting a soaking in exchange for that view. As it was, the fuller figured bloke at the table in front of us stood up mid-act and blocked my sight line which was very annoying. Some people have no manners.
The background info I was sent about this duo reads: [they] blend strength, precision and exquisite artistry with their mesmerising solo and duet work. Before their stints in the circus world, both enjoyed stellar careers as professional dancers and they bring this depth of performance experience into every aerial routine. Jonny trained at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (BA Hons), while Manuel studied with Les Ballets Company and Gravity Circus. Their combined career highlights include International Circus China, Ohlala with Schuhbeck’s Teatro, Rome Opera Theatre, pop artists LMFAO and Kelis, Le Haggis Spiegeltent cabaret, international cruise liners, and Italian television appearances on Tu Si Que Vales and Amici.
Grundy and Artino are in good company with the other international acts this season. My prior favourites are, and still, the feather on palm balance act by Tatiana Babiy (Ukraine), and the aerial cradle act by Juan Pablo Palacios and Victoria Perez Iacono (Argentina). There is an abundance of subtle sexiness and love going on with these two, and it’s beautiful to watch. By the way, in case you haven’t picked it up, Zingara is not a little children’s circus. The content is adult and the website advises a PG10 restriction, which I think is justified. There’s a lot of wildness in the audience too that’s not suitable for your five-year-old.
Another act I adore but find hard to watch is contortionist Lunga Buthelezi, born and raised in Katlehong, in Ekurhuleni. You can read my previous review here. She is insanely twisty. Also difficult to watch is Rola Bola by sixth-generation circus performer Axel Perez (Mexico/LA). He does that thing where he goes higher and higher on apparently extremely unstable apparatus, and honestly my nerves can’t take it. But that’s part of the thrill, and that’s why we are there.
While there is much going on inside the main part of the tent, what with acts, floor fairies, Kevin Ellis roaming with his bottle of tequila, food, and another round of drinks, there’s also plenty going on in the surrounding areas. Like a shop which sells highly desirable things made of feathers and beads and sparkly fabric, masks and fans and more; face painting, a voluptuous mermaid on a chaise longue, a topless (male) cage dancer with dreadlocks down to his…well, they are long, and a mini confessional for a mini priest to hear your confessions, which are atoned for by drinking the “holy water”. No matter where you look, something is happening. Oh! Look out for magician Jaques Le Sueur, considered one of the best in the country. His close-up magic is astounding; he did some cards sleight of hand at our table, which had one guest asking if I was in on it. Absolutely not. My only involvement was being thoroughly delighted.
There’s nothing quite like it.
La Dolce Royal runs Tuesdays to Sundays until 17 May 2026 at Century City before heading to Melrose Arch in Johannesburg, opening in June 2026. Gates open at 6pm and the three-act show begins at 8pm. Tickets start at R1 260 per person, including a welcome drink, a four-course feast and the full Zingara show experience. A range of bespoke and exclusive hosting options is available, from elegant Private Lounges and the Aperol Garden to the coveted Royal Balconies with panoramic views and elevated stage tables.
All bookings are via www.zingara.co.za, www.zingara.co.za/ticketinfo, boxoffice@zingara.co.za or 021 891 0448. Disabled parking with ramp access is available with a valid disc directly outside the venue.
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