Discover a world of imaginative performance art and musical masterclass at these Summer stage shows. This Summer season boasts critically acclaimed acts and visual spectacles suited for all ages. You can expect the wonder of theatre at it’s finest and enjoy classic tales reimagined, interactive and local music productions that really makes the experience all the more immersive for the audience. So secure your seats and bring the family, friends and the kids along to enjoy ground-breaking musicals, artistically creative acts and festive stage productions.
A Summer Night’s Dream at Spier
An immersive family-friendly show
A Summer Night’s Dream is an enchanting family-friendly show, staged outdoors in a magnificent natural amphitheatre on the farm.
As night falls, a troupe of weird and wonderful characters gathers to create a world of fantasy, bringing the landscape alive with colour and sound. The hour-long performance features a cast of dancers, musicians, singers, and actors. Ticket options include Spier’s delicious food options, from a braaied burger to a picnic spread. There is a 5-minute walk to the performance area and seating is outdoors on the grass where the festivities begin.
Where: Spier Werf Lawns, Spier Wine Farm, R310 Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch
When: 15 & 16 December
Cost: R200 – R500 | Kids under 12 R70 | Kids under 2 Free | Book via Webtickets
Zip Zap
A world of wonder at this prestigious circus
The ever-popular and beloved Zip Zap Circus is back with VOOMA! running this festive season from 7 to 17 December 2023. Aptly named, this fast-paced, action-filled circus show is set to deliver another high-octane spectacle that promises to leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
Street food such as boerewors rolls, sweet treats and refreshments are served during intervals. Doors open 45 minutes before each performance, and seating is unreserved and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. VOOMA! is a dynamic and engaging circus performance suitable for all ages.
This family-friendly event in Cape Town features trapeze acts, acrobatics, unbelievable juggling, and hilarious comedy routines, all performed by an exceptional cast of ordinary kids capable of extraordinary feats.
Where: Zip Zap Dome, 10 Jan Smuts St, Cape Town
When: Running from 7 to 17 December 2023, every evening at 6pm
Cost: R125pp, book via Quicket
A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens’ timeless story is brought to life on stage
The much-anticipated return of ‘A Christmas Carol’ returns to theatres this festive season. This beloved classic is showing at the Theatre on the Bay from 6 to 16 December.
Described as a “sumptuous banquet for the eyes, ears, and imagination; a sensory delight for any tired soul”, this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless story is a heartwarming celebration of humanity, family, and the boundless generosity of the human spirit. Zak Hendrikz (7de Laan) takes on the iconic role of Scrooge, while Natalie Robbie masterfully portrays all the other beloved characters.
Where: Theatre on The Bay, Link Street, Camps Bay, Cape Town
When: 6 – 16 December | 7pm
Cost: R180 – R280 | Book via Webtickets
The Sound of Music
A classic musical tale
Pieter Toerien with Cape Town Opera, present the much-anticipated revival tour of one of the most popular musicals this December- Rodgers & Hammerstein’ classic musical, The Sound Of Music.
The Sound Of Music marks the 11th and final collaboration between lyricists Rodgers & Hammerstein, and features a treasure trove of popular show tunes, including “My Favorite Things”, “Climb Ev’ry Mountain”, “Do Re Mi”, “Sixteen Going On Seventeen”, and many more.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St, Foreshore, Cape Town
When: 14 Dec-14 Jan | 7.30 to 10.30pm | Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Cost: R150 – R550 | Book via Webtickets
And Then…
An award-winning collaboration of dance, music and art
And Then…, the latest iteration in an award-winning dance series performed by the acclaimed dancer-choreographer jackï job and classical piano virtuoso José Dias opens at the Artscape Arena Theatre.
The production is danced in the language of the praying mantis. It is a dance-music production about the way we love and vibrate with sentient worlds. Deeply personal, for both the audience and the performers, it allows each individual to develop their own very intimate interpretation of their work.
jackï job is an accomplished artist known for constantly raising the bar of contemporary dance performance. In concert with her longstanding collaborator José Dias, she creates innovative, organic performances that have riveted and moved people all over the world. The duo intricately weaves set movement and structured improvisation techniques within their art of performance.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St, Foreshore, Cape Town
When: 29 November – 2 December 2023 | 8pm | Additional show at 3pm on Sat 2 December
Cost: R250 | Book via Webtickets
WILD at Kalk Bay Theatre
A wild-west themed comedy and dance show
Hold your horses ya’ll and get ready to saddle up for WILD, a shameless and outrageous neo-western cirque burlesque cabaret. The productions features Vanessa Harris, Ashley Searle, Brad Searle, Jessica Köhler, Nathi Mazwai, Bianca Schulz, Anna Olivier, Jessica Faure lighting up the stage with shows-stopping comedy and dance acts among their cabaret performance.
So slap on your cow-kickers and Stetsons, saddle up, and get ready for a WILD ride. the dress code is very strictly wild west… it’s essential! So go all out in your tassel chaps, holsters, leather vests, bandanas, hats and spurs or just pop on your best cowboy boots, and come join the shindig.
Where: Kalk Bay Theatre , 71a Main Rd, Kalk Bay, Cape Town
When: 24 Nov 2023 – 15 Jan 2024
Cost: From R335 | Book via WILD
Drumstruck
Jive, sing along and groove with djembe drums
The show in Cape Town is a scaled-down version of the international production but includes the same elements of storytelling, interactivity, fun and showmanship. Each audience member is provided with their own djembe drum and gets to play and sing along with the show, sharing in the collective celebration that exemplifies African music and culture.
If you’re looking for family-friendly entertainment, then you need look no further. Drumstruck at Silvermist offers a rare opportunity for the whole family, from the very youngest to the very oldest, to get stuck in and have some fun together.
This season, the South African experience has been extended to include an optional braai after the show, and guests will be entertained by a world-class marimba band while they eat, drink, and take in the exquisite views. Bookings for the braai must be pre-ordered with ticket purchases.
Where: Silvermist Organic Wine Estate, Main Road, Constantia Nek, Constantia, Cape Town
When: Every weekend from 10 Nov – 31 Nov. From 1 Dec until Apr 2024, the show will run twice daily from Wednesday to Sunday, with shows starting at 11am and 5pm.
Cost: Various | Book via Drumstruck
Spring Awakening
An award winning musical with a highly prestigious cast
The ‘Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy’ (LAMTA) presents the highly anticipated musical ‘Spring Awakening’. This groundbreaking musical garnered 8 Tony Awards on Broadway.
The powerful rock musical will be directed by award winning writer and actress Sylvaine Strike, who has numerous popular appearances on screen. Niall Griffin, the winner of numerous design awards, will helm the design bringing the set, costumes and lighting elements together into a visually beautiful and cohesive world.
Musical Direction is by the formidable team of Amy Campbell and Anton Luitingh while Duane Alexander acts as Choreographic Supervisor to the two promising Choreographers and LAMTA Alumni, Anna Olivier and Naoline Quinzen.
This reimagined production will expertly bring the gripping and emotional story to life as it explores complex themes such as self-discovery, repression and the power of rebellion – promising an unforgettable and transformative theatrical experience.
Where: Theatre on the Bay, Link St, Cape Town
When: 24 Nov – 2 Dec | 8pm to 10.15pm
Cost: R250 – R350 | Book via Webtickets
Naledi’s Dream
A joyful African festive story
V&A Waterfront is keeping both kids and grown-ups entertained over the summer holiday break with Naledi’s Dream, an exciting new live musical show running at the popular destination in Cape Town from 16 to 23 December 2023.
Naledi’s Dream follows the story of Naledi and along her local adventure, you’ll meet some of Santa’s helpers all the way from the North Pole.
Where: Amphitheatre V&A Waterfront, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
When: Running from 16 to 23 December 2023, daily at 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm
Cost: R100pp, book via Webtickets
Cape Town Ballet Christmas Carol
A beautiful ballet production of Charles Dickens classic tale
Cape Town City Ballet’s A Christmas Carol is a magical and grand production by South African veteran choreographer Veronica Paeper that remains faithful to the 19th-century novel. This Charles Dickens classic is a festive favourite and tells the story of mean-spirited Scrooge and his road to redemption.
Marcel Meyer takes the lead as Scrooge in this ballet production in Cape Town, while Cape Town City Ballet selected a cast of 60 children to showcase the magic of appearing on stage with a professional ballet company and discovering the passion that makes the dance magical.
There’s a once-off children’s stage parade on 23 December. Children in the audience will be invited onstage with the cast and get goodie bags to celebrate the festive season. The company is also hosting a special year-end festive performance on 29 December with an additional twenty-minute, ‘Celebratory Encore’ with choreography by Sean Bovim after the performance.
Excerpts from some of his works such as Swing Time and Queen @ the Ballet are on the cards. The special offer includes two shows for the price of one, and guests can sip on bubbles during the interval and start greeting the New Year in style.
Where: Artscape Opera House, D.F. Malan St, Foreshore, Cape Town
When: Running from 8 to 29 December 2023. Evening performances are at 7pm, and matinees at 2pm
Cost: From R200pp to R400pp, book via Webtickets. Children over 5yrs and adults are welcome