For the past 13 years, multi-talented musician and master guitarist Mel Botes, has tantalized audiences all over the country with his critically acclaimed musical performance, Crazy Diamond - A Tribute to Pink Floyd.   Audiences and critics agreed that he mastered the complexity and density of the Floyd in a way that none of the other tribute shows have achieved.

Now, by popular demand, he is presenting the next chapter in this remarkable series of productions with the long-awaited Tribute to Dire Straits. Featuring the same pinpoint accuracy in his playing and the same delightful Botes’ touch, this show promises everything audiences have come to expect from the virtuoso.

The well-known Dire Straits songs include “Money for Nothing”; “Walk of life”; “Calling Elvis”; “Telegraph Road”; “Private Investigations”; “Romeo and Juliet” and the hauntingly beautiful “Brothers in Arms”, to name but a few. This list of box office hits is augmented by a selection of other stunning Dire Straits songs that include the popular “The Man’s Too Strong”. Add to this some of Knopfler’s best solo tunes including “Darling Pretty” and “Sands of Nevada”.

Experience the unplugged version of this box office hit. A show not to be missed!

Audience Responses

It was soooo bad we actually walked out. I'm talking about the artist and the sound.

Mel's performance was outstanding. As regards the snacks advertised, I was expecting a wider variety to be available. My group actually decided not to have dinner and support the venue, whether buying sandwiches, meat pies or whatever. You should also consider a small microwave oven to warm up the those nice samoosas. All in all a very nice experience thank you.

Show was a bit boring ... had better experiences before.

great guitar play and good singing, but why no Sultans of Swing??!! Second part (after interval) better than the first.

My wife and I really enjoyed the show. Beside Mel's brilliant guitar playing and knowledge of the Dire Straits/Mark Knopfler music, we enjoyed his engaging stage personality and humility. The intimate setting of the Drama Factory was a pleasant surprise as first timers.

5

Sorry I want to rate more.....This guy looked so good on the adverts - standing up - no glassess etc etc When we saw him - he had changed shape - sitting down with glasses. He started off - no stage personality. I though OH BOY..... But he grew, and eventually was fine of the finest guitarist I have ever seen. His voice was superb but his control on the guitar was stunning. He is an artist but stage personality MUST GROW

It was a strange start - no stage personality - dead bvut it grew

Mel can play guitar well but failed to represent Dire Straits. Not even the most famous song "Sultans of Swing?" We were disappointed.

Really enjoyed this show. Great guitar playing and music

It was an awesome evening ! Keep it coming !

Loved the intimacy of the performance. Incredible voice and guitar skills.

Very very concerned about being in the enclosure with nobody wearing masks in middle of a pandemic!! Vaccinated or not everyone still at high risk. I am a medical professional who loves your theater there. I appreciate it is so difficult to function but strongly suggest masks must be on in theater & can come off when consuming drinks only in lobby. Sadly just one Covid case will close u down.

Not for publication, but as a pointer for drama factory. Been to listen to Mel before. His play is good, no question. The dire straits debute was a bit disjointed, couldn't get into the groove, and he touched on other stuff a bit. And then during the intermission the piped music was fine, could have been other dire straits, in consultation with the artist, maybe? FB

Not for publication, but as a pointer for drama factory. Been to listen to Mel before. His play is good, no question. The dire straits debute was a bit disjointed, couldn't get into the groove, and he touched on other stuff a bit. And then during the intermission the piped music was fine, could have been other dire straits, in consultation with the artist, maybe? FB

Thanks Mel, top music

His guitar skills were excellent. Pleasant flow of music . Very enjoyable evening , thank you

I loved the artist and the music. The theatre is great. It was our first time. I did not know that we had to bring our own drinks which is a pity. Before the show we went in early as the booking email said there are no booked seats. We got a very nice spot centre front. There was a piece of paper on the chair next to me. I thought it was about social distancing. Then 2 minutes before the show people told us we are on their seats they had booked. I was extremely irritated that they could tell us to move when they were the ones who were late. PLEASE don't tell me to come early to get a good seat and then you give some patrons special treatment. This is just not on.

I loved the artist and the music. The theatre is great. It was our first time. I did not know that we had to bring our own drinks which is a pity. Before the show we went in early as the booking email said there are no booked seats. We got a very nice spot centre front. There was a piece of paper on the chair next to me. I thought it was about social distancing. Then 2 minutes before the show people told us we are on their seats they had booked. I was extremely irritated that they could tell us to move when they were the ones who were late. PLEASE don't tell me to come early to get a good seat and then you give some patrons special treatment. This is just not on.