The Dinner Theatre, presented by The Thomian Society, featuring a skit by Indu Dharmasena and performances by popular Thomian duo the De Lanerolle Brothers, was recently held at the Grand Ballroom at Hilton Colombo amidst an enthusiastic gathering. What ensued was an evening of rib-tickling laughs, fantastic performances, and camaraderie. 

The evening commenced with an eloquent Dr. Vijaya Corea, Founder and Patron of The Thomian Society, introducing the entertainment line up for the event and getting the audience excited for what was to come. Keeping his speech brief and synoptic, he concluded with a rib tickler. 

The REAL Housewives of Colombo, featuring Koluu soon took the stage, transporting the audience to a new Spa opening. But of course, no event can take place devoid of drama and scandal and that is exactly what transpired thanks to ‘Reuters Agnes’ an unseen entity who, as the resident gossipmonger, has spun her latest tale - accusing a married man of having an affair with an interior designer. Invariably, things get complicated, issues snowball and soon there’s unbridled chaos. The skit had the audience in laughter, as fun was poked at society and even at the Thomians, who took it in good stride.

A fabulous three-course dinner followed the skit by Indu Dharmasena. Dinner commenced with an appetiser comprising Turmeric and coriander flavoured baked baby crab, grilled Mediterranean peppers, avocado and marinated salmon with beet balsamic, and mini asparagus cappuccino with olivada croute. This was followed by the main course which was a Lemon garlic and chilli marinated seared modha with jalapeno cream, confit of chicken supreme braised in red wine shallots on gratin potato, garlic rice timbale, sauteed young vegetables and mushroom ragout. The dinner concluded with a fabulous dessert - Chocolate and mascarpone triangle, macerated raspberries and iced caramalata truffle. With refined presentation of the three courses and the perfect execution of all its contents, the dinner was, without a doubt, fantastic.

While the audience enjoyed dinner, the de Lanerolle Brothers took the stage, effortlessly engaging the audience, cracking jokes and performing popular songs such as Marry Me and Sweet Caroline. Obliging to audience requests with an encore of Marry Me - at which point they walked among the audience - followed by a Sinhala song, which had the audience mesmerised with their beautiful harmonizing, the brothers proved yet again why they are well loved among audiences of all ages.

The Daily Mirror Life also caught up with the Patron of the Society Dr. Vijaya Corea who expounded on putting the event together. “The 'Dinner Theatre' of The Thomian Society is a prestigious event which has come, not only to be established as an annual event but, to be appreciated by many for the much needed relaxation it provides with an exclusive theatre and a 5-Star sit-down dinner with spirits and bites on the table that keep everyone happy. The Thomian duo, the popular De Lanerolle Brothers, kept the air filled with music and song. It was an altogether beautiful evening, which provided an opportunity for fellowship and camaraderie. The Thomian Society and the Committee that put their heart and soul into bringing about the success of the event deserves every commendation for a job well done. It was a two-in-one endeavour - a Fundraiser and a Fun-Raiser - both in one. Indu, Kolluu and the team came up trumps with their rib-tickling humour, leaving many with the resolve to form tables and join with friends and family and enjoy another of its kind next year”.

Amalini 

It was really well organized. Food was excellent as was the skit - it was just like how things are now. It was a good evening. 

Aruni 

It was fantastic. Super. The whole thing - the singing and the play and the dinner was fabulous. 

Jayanthi 

I really liked it. It was a very pleasant evening with my friends. So it was nice talking to them. And the music was good, the play was good. It was lovely.

Mohan

The overall event was very good. But I think the play should have been a little bit more audience-friendly but it was very nice - very well done especially because they had only a short span of time. The food was excellent and we really enjoyed it, but unfortunately, we didn't know the cause for the project. If that was said it would have been much better. 

Mahesh 

It was a night opportunity to meet old friends - Thomians - and other business associates. Thank you to all the sponsors and the organizers for making this happen. 

Pravina

It was a lovely evening. We really enjoyed Koluu’s skit and the de Lanerolle brothers as well.

Shantha

It was fantastic. A lovely evening.

Shyami 

It was a lovely evening. Hilarious. Food was lovely.

Mariez 

It was a really good event. It was my first time at a dinner theatre with an Indu Dharmasena play. It was a new experience. 

Aravinda and Dharshani 

The dinner and everything was fine. We expected more than this from Indu. The de Lanerolle brothers were fine.

Branudeen 

This is the first time I came for an event like this. I really enjoyed it. Especially the oldies songs. 

Nilanthi 

I thought the event was well organized and the show was really good. 

Pics: Nisal Baduge