Christmas shows to watch in theatre

These timeless stories continue to resonate in modern times and avid fans of classic storytelling would be happy to know these theatre shows in Johannesburg are in full swing.

Pantomime Cinderella

Once upon a time, there was a young girl named Cinderella. This everlasting story has been re-told many times but now acclaimed writer and director Janice Honeyman and executive producer Bernard Jay have given Cinderella a funny South African twist.

Starring legends Desmond Dube, Graham Hopkins and Ben Voss, the cast brings much joy and laughter to this theatre show.

Dube and Voss play the two evil stepsisters, Fanny Faltulina and Flossie Flemerina, from just their names alone you know they are going to be quite comical.

From their over-the-top and not so stylish costumes to their punchy one-liners and wit, the actors had us in stitches.

Cinderella is played by the talented Kiruna-Lind Devar. The stage presence of Devar is evident from the moment she appears on stage. Her Prince Charming played by Kyle Grant is the type of lead man you could expect.

However, Prince Charming’s best friend, Dandini played by Yamikani Mahaka-Phiri is a star, from his singing, dance moves and carrying a scene, Dandini could have been the lead too.

Notable mentions are Hopkins as Baron Horace Hard-Up- Cinderella’s father, Bongi Mthombeni as Bru Buttons, Dolly Louw (GogoMama The merry fairy godmother) and Justin Swartz (Donkey Houtie).

The Joburg Theatre has transformed its theatre shows to innovative 3D graphics with over 500 LED screens, with pyrotechnics which made the stage production world-class.

Janice Honeyman’s Pantomime Cinderella will showcase until 24 December 2021 at the Joburg Theatre. Tickets are available on the Joburg Theatre website.

Mzansi Ballet The Christmas Show

There is something about watching ballet live on stage that gives you chills. The dedication and execution of the choreography have to be praised and Mzansi Ballet The Christmas Show is showcasing a ballet show just in time for the season to be jolly.

Mzansi Ballet is their unique take on Christmas, with a variety of dancers and singers celebrating it in a modern-day way.

The show is directed by Dirk Badenhorst and choreographed by incredibly talented lead dancers Angela Revie, Michael Revie and Xola Willie.

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The most loved Christmas classics, as well as contemporary Christmas hits such as Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy, Holly Jolly Christmas, and many more, will have you singing and dancing throughout the night.

Mzansi Ballet The Christmas will run from 17 November to 5 December. Performances are from Wednesday to Friday between 3pm and 7pm.

Tickets are sold at CompuTicket and the Theatre Box at Pieter Toeriens Theatre, Montecasino.

Charles Dickens- A Christams Carol

This is built as a revival of VR Theatrical’s A Christmas Carol with a limited engagement of 12 performances.

Jaco van Rensburg from VR Theatrical says people are “Netflix-ed” out and want to watch live theatre shows.

“Our production is truly unique and features animated ghosts, original music and two wonderful actors playing several characters,” he said in a statement.

Charles Dickson’s -A Christmas Carol is led by Charlie Bouguenon (Bloodshot, Vuil Wasgoed), who portrays Scrooge, described as a tight-fisted, miserly grump who is transformed, after three visitations, into new Scrooge, spreading goodwill and cheer through his generous spirit.  He is supported by Amber-Dawn Burnham.

This product has been played to sold-out audiences for the last four years and will be on from 8 to 19 December at Pieter Toeriens Theatre, Montecasino.

Tickets range from R150 – R220 and are available through Computicket.