OUT & ABOUT
Celestial love, theatre and more — things to do this week around South Africa
Your weekly round-up of go-to events in Mzansi.
WESTERN CAPE
Theatre
The focal point of this upcoming musical is a love for the cosmos; it is based on the true story of the late Elizabeth Klarer, a South African woman who claimed that following multiple UFO sightings throughout her life, she was abducted by aliens and had a child with a celestial being. The musical stars Earl Gregory and Isabella Jane. Tickets cost R250 per person and are available via Computicket.
Where: Artscape Arena, Cape Town
When: 8 – 31 December 2022
The Secret Garden
The life of Mary Lennox is changed forever when her mother and father die following a cholera outbreak. She is sent away to England to begin her new life with her uncle Lord Archibald Craven. While exploring the grounds of her uncle’s manor, she discovers a secret garden that soon becomes a place of refuge. This upcoming retelling of the classic tale was directed by Stephan Fourie and stars a vibrant cast of 23 performers, with Tessa Bottomley taking on the lead role of Mary. Tickets cost R180 per person and are available via Quicket.
Where: Star Theatre, Cape Town
When: 9 – 17 December 2022
Comedy
Television stars Theodore Jantjies and Maurice Paige are set to make their return with another proudly South African comedy show — expect a celebration of the Mother City and what it means to be “Capetonian”. Tickets cost R180 per person and are available via Webtickets. Evening shows begin at 7pm while Saturday matinees begin at 2.30pm.
Where: Baxter Theatre Centre, Cape Town
When: 13 December – 7 January 2022
Workshop
Build a gingerbread house or boy & girl
If you’re looking for a fun way to keep kids occupied for the day, then consider adding this event to your list of Christmastime to-do list. Children will be given the opportunity to create their very own gingerbread houses or gingerbread people. Tickets include the baked goods, a set of decorations, as well as aprons and paper chef hats. Tickets cost R130 per child and can be purchased on Quicket. Attendees have the option of participating in one of four sessions, each lasting 45 minutes.
Where: Willowbridge Shopping Centre, Cape Town
When: 16 – 23 December 2022
Music
Summer Sunset Concerts: Sunset Sweatshop
Take full advantage of summer days and warmer nights and attend the upcoming edition of the outdoor concert series, featuring Sunset Sweatshop, a must-see if you’re into rock, reggae, folk and jazz music. The concert will begin at 6pm and end at 8pm. Tickets cost R180 per person and are available via Computicket.
Where: Helderberg Nature Reserve, Someret West
When: 11 December 2022
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GAUTENG
Music
For soul and jazz music lovers: expect performances from some of the country’s biggest names in music, including Amanda Black, Mafikizolo, Zonke, Judith Sephuma, Mandisi Dyantyis, and more. Ticket prices range between R350 and R850 and are available for purchase via Ticketpro.
Where: Sun Bet Arena at Time Square Casino, Pretoria
When: 10 December 2022
Performance by Mafikizolo during the Sunday Loerie Awards Ceremony in 2016 in Durban, South Africa. Image: Jethro Snyders / 2016 Loerie Awards
Singer Amanda Black poses during an interview about her music career on January 27, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Image: Gallo Images / City Press / Leon Sadiki
Smokie: Live in South Africa 2022
The beloved English rock band from Bradford will soon be on South African soil for a series of shows. After more than four decades in the music industry, the band continue to be a firm fixture in the music scene, known for hits such as Living Next Door to Alice, If You Think You Know How to Love Me and I’ll Meet You at Midnight. Ticket prices begin at R405 per person and are available via Computicket.
Where: Big Top Arena, Brakpan
When: 17 – 18 December 2022
Comedy
Skhumba Hlophe — As I Was Saying
Catch South African comedian Skhumba Hlophe as he makes his return to the stage following a three-year-long hiatus. The upcoming one-man show will cover current affairs, dealing with the pandemic and how Hlophe has navigated entering his forties. The show begins at 8pm. Tickets cost from R225 per person and are available on Computicket.
Where: Carnival City Mardi Gras Theatre, Brakpan
When: 10 December 2022
Mike Craft of English rock band, Smokie, performs live at the KKNK arts festival in Oudtshoorn, South Africa on 4 April 2011. Image: Gallo Images / Foto24 / Jaco Marais)
Skhumba Hlophe performs at the launch of the new local Showmax Original show Trippin with Skhumba in 2019. Image: Gallo Images / Alet Pretorius
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KWAZULU-NATAL
Market
Litchi season is here! What better way to celebrate this fruit from the soapberry family than to pick fresh litchis of your own? The Avro farm will be open to the public daily in December, between 9am and 3pm, allowing families to pick fruit, as well as spend the day on the grounds for summer picnicking. The entrance fee is R160, payable in person. Food and drink stalls will also be available.
Where: Avro Farm, Ballito
When: 16 – 30 December 2022
Festival
Usher in the summer season with loved ones by attending one of South Africa’s best-known events. Attendees can expect a day full of live music entertainment, food trucks, and an array of gins to taste. Tickets, which cost R180 per person, include a complimentary drink and are available via Howler. The festival will run from 11am to 8pm. Entry is restricted to attendees who are 18 and above.
Where: Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom, Durban
When: 16 – 17 December 2022
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EASTERN CAPE
Music
Lee Cole live at The Music Kitchen
Lee Cole during Huawei KDay at Meerendal Wine Estate on March 05, 2022 in Cape Town, South Africa. Image: Gallo Images / Dereck Green
Regarded as “the Lewis Capaldi of South Africa”, pop artist Lee Cole will be performing live at The Music Kitchen. Cole is known for singles such as I Don’t Wanna Wait, Pink Dragons and Honey, Let Me In. Opening the show will be supporting act Liam Burger. Tickets cost R180 per person and are available via Quicket. The show begins at 7.30pm.
Where: The Music Kitchen, Gqeberha
When: 16 December 2022 DM/ML
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