I love tradition, call me old-fashion or boring but I love experiencing the same things over and over again.

It is because of this trait that I am always present at the National Theatre for Ebo Whyte’s shows.

These stage productions, put together every quarter of the year is something I look forward to.

After initiating some few friends and family members, they now call me every time the fliers are out to confirm if we will be going to watch the show.

So as usual, I was at the National Theatre on the 30th of March and the 6th of April, 2024 to watch Roverman Productions’ latest play, “Dubai or No sex”.

I know you may be wondering why I went twice, the answer is simple… I loved the play and wanted to see it again; also I had a hint that the second show will have a different cast.

That got me curious. I wanted to compare and contrast.

Dubai or No Sex

The story line is exactly what the title says, Dubai or No Sex. The play had to do with two sets of family, or should I say married couples/friends.

Barnabas (played by Adrian Afun) is married to Nana Adwoa (played by Stephanie MacLean).

They have been together for twenty years and are blessed with two sets of twins but his loudmouth wife finds him stingy.

She compares him to his best friend, Simon (played by Kenneth Nii Saki Sackey) who takes his wife, Diva (played by Stephanie Cudjoe-Yevu) on expensive trips around the world.

Feeling jealous and angry, Nana Adwoa gives her husband an ultimatum; a trip to Dubai or no sex.

But is the grass always greener on the other side?

What happens when Simon is arrested and charged with fraud?

Dubai or No Sex is a play I will definitely urge Ghanaians to add to their Xmas list. Of course, it will be repeated during the Festival of Plays in December. Rest assured.

My take and ratings

For years now, the Roverman Productions team has put great effort into their set and stage designs.

The sets have become more extravagant, stylish and beautiful.

This production was no different. From the wine bar to the dining area to the upstairs bedroom, everything was perfect.

I will rate it a ten over ten.

To the story line…. Which some will argue is straight forward… well, it wasn’t.

Yes, you may be able to predict that Simon was making his money through dubious means but could you have predicted a possible affair between him and Barnabas’ wife? I didn’t think so.

For that twist and the current trends and jokes that were infused in there, I will rate the storyline a solid nine.

This play had only four cast members which gave everyone an opportunity to shine. There were no major or minor parts…

Adrian as Barnabas was a great pick. I know him personally and he is a great guy… Playing the role of a good person or husband came easily to him. He was funny and likable and it was awesome seeing him on stage again.

That guy is an asset to Roverman. I will rate him a ten.

Next is Nii Saki or Kenneth Sackey as Simon.

Again, this is someone I know personally and like. So I was interested in his role and performance.

Playing the bad guy came so natural to Nii Saki. It had been awhile I saw him play a major role in a play.

I would have loved to see him be the good guy since I felt that would have been more challenging.

If you know you know.

Also his chemistry on stage with Adrian was a delight to watch. It was easy to see that they are friends both on and off stage and when they sang “See Me So” by Nigerian artist, 2Face, I couldn’t help but clap.

I will give Nii Saki a ten too.

Can’t wait to see him on stage in December.

P.S: Simon was played by Samuel Vanderpuye, the second time I went to watch the play. It was his debut appearance on stage and for that his performance was commendable.

However, in order not to sound bias I will refrain from rating him. But I believe there's more room for improvement there and I would definitely like to see him again.

Now back to the ladies.

During the first week, I loved both Stephanie(s). They were talented, beautiful and funny.

Both get a ten from me.

The week after, I got the opportunity to watch Ernestina Twumasi on stage…. She played Nana Adwoa, whiles Alison Asihene was Diva

Do you remember her? The girl with the amazing voice… It was so good to see her. I am glad I went for that show.

Ernestina gets a hundred over ten. Yes, I am a huge fan of her voice…sue me.

But before that, special mention goes to a new voice character introduced by Ebo Whyte. His name is Micah Nii Odartey Lamptey and he was the voice of Golda, the eighth wonder of the world.

Micah was incredible. I honestly don't know where Mr. Whyte keeps finding these amazing talents.

The lessons

Unlike most of Ebo Whyte's previous shows, this did not have the God-factor. But it did have its own lessons on why we need to be decent human beings.

Yes, I laughed a lot but I also made some mental notes.

First, a good name will always be better than riches and reputations are very important.

Second, a man must stick to his principles no matter what. The pressure may be coming from friends, family members or even a spouse or loved one but one must always be firm.

Another lesson was to not believe everything one hears or sees especially in this era of social media.

Finally, emotional cheating is still cheating (I am processing what that even means).

So, is this a show I will recommend, yes. Will you enjoy it, yes. Will it make you want to travel to Dubai, maybe… but it will definitely give you something to think about if you are married or in a relationship.

Let's meet in December.