Marc Lottering brings Colleen the cashier to life in musical debut

Comedic icon Marc Lottering returns to the stage with the brand-new COLLEEN THE MUSICAL, unveiling his beloved character Colleen the cashier in her debut at the Baxter Theatre.

Mr Lottering, from Woodstock, has been a legend in stand-up for 28 years. He has produced many alter egos, like Aunty Merle. Now, for the first time, we get to see Colleen the cashier, an alter ego that he created over 20 years ago on the big stage.

Mr Lottering said all the characters he creates have been through observation of real life.

“Years ago, I lived across the road from a supermarket where the cashier treated me like I was a chommie instead of a customer. She would look at me and roll her eyes when another customer annoyed her,” he said. 

Mr Lottering said this cashier would read the news in front of him, talk loudly to him about politics, never asking his opinion on whether he agrees or not, and that is where “Colleen the Cashier” was born. 

Mr Lottering said many of his audience resonates with his characters because they are real people.

“Audience members point and laugh because they instantly recognise the character as someone they know or as someone they have encountered.  And sometimes it’s like looking in a mirror.  People laugh loudly at familiarity," he said.

Mr Lottering said the life of a stand-up is often a lonely one, particularly if you’re on tour all year with your one-man show.

"So when I get to do these musicals with a massive cast and a live band, I’m like a happy kid.  I savour every moment,” he said.

In Colleen’s stage debut, love is in the air.

“If you don’t give your heart away, it will never be broken.”

That is Colleen the Cashier’s motto - until she meets Randall the Shelf-Packer. Their growing connection unfolds in the everyday world of tills, customers, cigarette counters, and supervisors, where love brings its own challenges.

The production is led by producer Anwar Mc Kay and director Lara Foot, with musical direction by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder, set design by Patrick Curtis, choreography by Grant Van Ster, and script and lyrics by Marc Lottering.

The cast includes David Chevers, Carlo Daniels, Jill Levenberg, Marc Lottering, Sizwesandile Mnisi, Kate Normington, and Anzio September.

COLLEEN THE MUSICAL is currently on at the Baxter Theatre until Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The show is suitable for ages 12 and up. Tickets are available on Webtickets.

For block bookings or fund-raising, email carmen.kearns@uct.ac.za