On Sunday night, December 6, 2025, I attended Off the Record, a captivating new cabaret format – presented and featuring Leah Mari and guests. The venue – the gorgeous Toneelhuis in Cape Town’s CBD. A beautiful venue for cabaret. The concept: Musical theatre stars – taking time out to share their stories – and singing a mix of songs from musicals, often with quirky choices. It was a treat to see the Fleur du Cap Award winning actress, close up, within an intimate setting. The ebullient Mari is not only a super talented performer but has a lovely manner and is perfect for the cabaret format. She is vivacious, stylish and charming and sets up a convivial vibe with the audience.
In the cabaret, Mari spoke at length about the pain of auditions. Today, December 10 and the news is out that Mari is starring in Showtime SA’s Pretty Woman, South Africa 2026. Hearing about the grind of auditions in off the record”, and I say bravo to Mari for her hard work and perseverance.
In an interview with The Cape Robyn, Leah said that in conceptualising the format of this cabaret format, she was influenced by at 54 Below- at Broadway’s Supper Club in New York City. “They host live performances by Broadway and cabaret stars. 54 Below has a mission to preserve and expand the art of cabaret …” https://thecaperobyn.co.za/interview-off-the-record-with-leah-mari/
In Off the Record, in addition to sharing challenges of auditions, she spoke about early musical influences, kindling her love of musical theatre while playing at the grand piano in her family home in KZN, love, continuing after heartbreak and dating in Sea Point. She shared how she couldn’t sing for a year, when she developed nodules on her throat. Her teacher at LAMTA, Amy Campbell worked with her to literally find her voice again. She brought Campbell on stage to sing with her. The other guest artist was Kent Jeycock. More please. I like the idea that one doesn’t know who the guest artists will be on a night. It a lovely concept – the opportunity to see ours musical stars in an intimate setting. More please. Looking forward to Pretty Woman and more Off the Record cabarets when Mari has Sunday nights off from the show.
✳ Leah Mari, Off the Record, December 6, 2025, Toneelhuis, Cape Town. Pic: Robyn Cohen/TheCapeRobyn.
