Purrfect pantomime
End the year with a colourful, riotous bang with KickstArt’s rollicking panto version of Puss in Boots. Starring Rory Booth in the lead role, with William Young as his hapless owner, Tom Marzipan, Blessing Xaba as Tom’s long-suffering mother Merry Marzipan and Lyle Buxton as his meathead of a brother, Tristram. The show features an enchanted Caribbean Island set, colourful costumes, song, dance and jokes a-plenty. Others in this all-star cast include Bryan Hiles, Roshanda Lewis, Belinda Henwood and Kirsty Ndawo. Directed by Darren King, with designs by Greg King, choreography by Simone Mann and lighting by Tina le Roux, Puss in Boots runs at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from December 5 to January 12. Performances are 2.30pm on weekdays and Sundays, and 11am and 3.30pm on Saturdays. Details: Tickets are available at Webtickets.co.za
Enchanting start to the festive season
Celebration is this year’s theme for the popular Trail of Lights that comes to the Durban Botanic Gardens in time to mark the gardens’ 175th anniversary. This year’s event promises a host of sparkling, original and new attractions. From food stalls and festive shopping to special characters and spectacular live selfie spots, a re-imagined Santa’s workshop and grotto, build-a-bear workshop and a variety of themed areas, including the iconic Whale Tails created by the SA Association of Marine Biology Research. Paws and Claus evenings are also back, with the nights of December 8 and 12, earmarked for when visitors can bring along their ‘fur babies’ (sorry, dogs only). Ticket sales (R50 a pet) from these evenings go to Feeding the Furballs charity. The Trail of Lights runs December 6 to January 3 from 6pm to 10pm each evening and will be closed on December 9, 10, 11, 25 and 31. Tickets are priced from R60 to R90 each, and are available through Webtickets and selected Pick n Pay outlets. Limited tickets will also be available at the gate for R120 each.
Highland concert set to delight
The much-loved Carols and Kilts kicks off the festive season celebrations with a blend of highland music and a medley of well-known Christmas carols and seasonal music. Included in the line-up are evergreen bagpipe as well as contemporary favourites. The Durban Caledonian Pipe Band will be supported by special guest musicians on electric (Garth Strydom), acoustic and bass guitar, keyboard (Nick Mowbray), saxophone, drum-kit, and the noble cowbell, and guest vocalists including Cassie Rae. They will be joined by twin dancers Samantha Wood and Melissa Alberts from Celtic Heartbeat. The concert can be enjoyed at Shongweni Farmer’s Market on Saturday, December 7 at 4pm, and at the DLI Hall in Greyville on Sunday, December 8 at 2pm. A range of food and drinks will be available there. Tickets – R60 for children and R120 for adults – are available through Quicket or at the door.
Nostalgic train ride
Looking for something fun to do over the hols as a family? Why not meander along the Valley of 1000 Hills in an 85-year-old steam engine? This roughly 75 minutes Steam Adventure starts at Inchanga Railway Station. The train then makes its way through one of the oldest operating tunnels in South Africa, before turning around at Botha’s Hill and heading back. Before or after your trip, you can browse the Inchanga Station Craft Market where there are various treasures on sale, food to suit most tastes and activities for the whole family. You can also visit the Inchanga Railway Museum in the Old Station Master’s House or find Thomas & Friends in the Modeller’s Shed on the platform. Festive season rides will be held between December 14 and Jan 26 at different intervals during the day. Special Santa Trains will be held on December 14, 15, 16, 21 and 22 and Carols by Candlelight will be held at 5.30pm on December 15. Please remember to take cash or use Zapper as there are no card facilities and arrive half an hour prior to departure to collect your tickets. Details: umgenisteamrailway.com
CoComelon LIVE
The love and excitement that surrounds CoComelon is undeniable, and little fans can now experience the magic of their favourite characters – JJ, Cody, Nina and friends – on stage in CoComelon LIVE: Sing–A-Long. The never-before-seen show that has early learning principles at its core, will have families moving and grooving to the beat when it makes a special stop in Durban this month. thanks to Blu Blood, Round Room Live and Moonbug Entertainment. CoComelon follows JJ and his adorable siblings and friends as they go on adventures to explore and learn about the world around them. The show will be no different as it takes audiences on a musical field trip featuring favourite like If You’re Happy and You Know It, Wheels on the Bus, Animal Dance, Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, Freeze Dance, and many more! Catch it at the Durban ICC from December 13 to 15. Details: Tickets priced from R299 to R699 and available at Ticketpro.
Movie roars with pride
Experience the epic story of how an orphan became a king in Mufasa: The Lion King, which hits cinemas nationwide this month. Blending live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery, featuring an all-star cast and told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka – the heir to a royal bloodline. This chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits – searching for their destiny – whose bonds are tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly enemy. First screening is on December 20.
Santa fun day
Pack your kids and dogs (well-behaved on leads) into the car and head up the hill to enjoy a day full of festive fun at Summerveld Country Lodge. They’ll have their Christmas Market on the go, there will be a jumping castle, tractor rides and a meet Santa session, so parents don’t forget to bring a gift, wrapped and clearly labelled, for your little ones. It all takes place on December 16 from 9am to 2pm on the lodge grounds on Summerhill Avenue in Summerveld. Details: Contact Joy on 063 671 0563.
Theatrical musical adventure
Experience the magic of the holiday season with Elf: The Musical JR. Based on the beloved film, this enchanting production, by The Young Performers Project, follows Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, as he embarks on a heart-warming journey to find his real father in New York City. Featuring catchy songs, vibrant choreography and a delightful blend of humour and holiday spirit, it’s perfect for audiences of all ages. So, join Buddy on his quest to spread Christmas cheer and discover the true meaning of family. You can watch the theatrical adventure at the Durban ICC between December 16 and 29. Details: Tickets are priced from R250 to R300 and available at Webtickets.co.za
