Emile Minnie brings a glimpse of Uzbekistan to the Market Theatre

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GEORGE NEWS - Larger than life, with a personality that fills the entire theatre. Emile Minnie is an entertainer of note, leaving the audience starry-eyed and full of zest - his energy - after an hour's performance.

His show Fresh from Uzbekistan last Friday, 5 July, at the Market Theatre was well attended. The crowd who braved the 6°C temperature for his performance knew what was in stall. "We never miss a show," said one of the theatregoers. Once a year, Minnie visits George, all the way from Uzbekistan which he now calls home, and books a show at the Market Theatre.

Gallery: Emile Minnie warms the stage at the Market Theatre

Those who missed the show have another chance to catch him on stage with a performance on Saturday 27 July at 19:00, at the Market Theatre.

All proceeds go to this theatre, which serves as an artist development facility for the George community.

Minnie requested to open the theatre last year with his performance by the same title, in which he shared stories of his interesting life working as a music teacher in Uzbekistan.

Storytelling, keyboard, vocals and much more happened on the Market Theatre's stage. Minnie has the most amazing stage personality, oozing positive energy in a colourful, happy and entertaining way.

One wouldn't label his show as a comedy, but we laughed so much it hurt. His shared cultural anecdotes of South Korea and hippie market place scenes in Uzbekistan were retold at home.

Mariana Rabie and John Granger at the Market Theatre with Emile Minnie. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

Theatre director Heather Stead and her family - some from Limpopo - warm up next to a fire outside the theatre entrance. From left are Trinity van Wyk (9), Emile Minnie, Jenny Stead, Heather Stead, Jayden and Gabriel van Wyk, Jason van Wyk (Heather's brother from Limpopo), his wife Ulandi and Alf Stead. Photo: Michelle Pienaar