Theatre shows to catch this holiday season

The year is winding down and, if economists are to be believed, less people will be going on holiday this year.

But don’t fret, there’s a theatre season this November and December that will make a staycation near perfect.

A show to (s)talk about

Jack and the Beanstalk. Picture: enroCpics

Janice Honeyman again brings the story of Jack and the Beanstalk to life for this year’s pantomime at Joburg Theatre.

This year began with Into the Woods, a much darker take on Jack’s tale – but to end the year you can have the ultimate in family entertainment.

The family cow, the magic beans, the enormous beanstalk, the unfriendly giant and the enchanted hen that lays the golden eggs.

Adding the giant’s henchman – a truly evil panto villain – and the essential good fairy to the tale, audiences will be taken on a spectacular journey with Jack the Joller as the courageous hero.

Making his pantomime debut as the villain Hendrik Hideosa is Casper de Vries.

Returning to Joburg Theatre after her triumphant success in the role of Shug Avery in The Color Purple is Lelo Ramasimong as the good fairy Gorgeous Gugu.

The role of Jack the Joller brings back multi-talented young actor Zolani Shangase to the Joburg Theatre stage.

The 2019 pantomime is written and directed by Janice Honeyman, with choreography by Nicol Sheraton. It’s sure to be a hoot. Just be aware that tickets get snapped up quickly.

• The season is from November 2 to December 22.
• Tickets are now on sale from R225, with fantastic group discounts available.

Birds of a Feather

The Snow Goose. Picture: Suzy Bernstein

After touring the country, Contagious Theatre’s The Snow Goose opened at the Pieter Toerien Studio Theatre this week.

Paul Gallico’s story of a lonely recluse and a young girl, and the surprising friendship that blossoms between them as they nurse a wild goose back to health, has charmed fans since it was first published in 1940.

Almost 80 years later, the story of love in a time of war continues to captivate.

Contagious Theatre’s rendition, told through the compelling performances of Taryn Bennett and James Cairns under the direction of Jenine Collocott, with the use of masks and ingenious staging brings to life all the poignancy and humanity that makes this an evergreen favourite.

Catch The Snow Goose at Pieter Toerien’s Studio Theatre, Montecasino Boulevard until Sunday, November 24.

• Wednesdays to Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm and Sundays at 3pm.
• Tickets from R130 from Computicket or from Pieter Toerien box office on 011-511- 1818

A Bald Choice

Nataniël.

From December 3 to 8 Nataniël presents a brand new creation, Lily Refuses to Listen, at the Atterbury Theatre for a limited season of six performances.

At the end of another year of being bombarded by bad news, damning prophecies, evil politics, corruption, loud neighbours, endless traffic, horrific music, endless advertising and desperate social media, Nataniël celebrates personal space, personal choices, selective listening, self-care and resilience.

Out with the bull, in with the beauty is his motto. Out with the parties, in with the privacy.

The show features fantastical stories in English and Afrikaans by truly one of the country’s best storytellers, songs from the treasure trove of timeless blues, jazz, soul and pop, also original songs and a wardrobe to die for by long-time collaborator Floris Lou.

Nataniël shares the stage with Charl du Plessis (piano), Werner Spies (bass) and Peter Auret (drums).

You can also make Christmas shopping a little easier with the Kaalkop Christmas Shop in the foyer. Just be warned – no shorts allowed for the run of the show.

• The show is 90 minutes with no interval. No under 15s allowed.
• Tickets between R260 and R280.

Hear John Kani roar

The Lion and the Lamb. Picture: Ruphin Coudyzer

The Lion and the Lamb musical will be the Market Theatre’s Christmas special.

The musical play, originally created by John Kani and Barney Simon, comes back after a decade to open the festive season at the Market Theatre on November 22 and runs until December 22.

Kani will reprise his leading role in a performance that will see the telling of the biblically-based story of Christ’s life brought to life on stage in the John Kani Theatre.

Kani will be supported by some of South Africa’s best voices – Nokukhanya Dlamini, Gugu Shezi and Nomfundo Dlamini. There will also be the highly acclaimed Lerato Gwebu, Lerato Mvelase, the singing sensation, Itumeleng Tshabane, and the brilliant guitarist, Avril Mkansi.

They will all be backed by a four-piece band under the musical directorship of the renowned musician, Tshepo Mngoma.

• Tickets from R120
• For more information visit markettheatre.co.za

(Compiled by Adriaan Roets)

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