Joburg Zoo’s annual Festival of Lights has an exciting addition this year. Along with the illuminated animal characters, visitors can enjoy entertainment, food and beverages. Joburg Ballet kicks off with a performance of The Nutcracker at the bandstand from Dec 1 to 8, followed by a variety of entertainment each evening. Open 7pm to 10pm nightly except Mondays until January 5, 2020. Tickets: Children R60, adults R120. Details: joburgtheatre.com; jhbzoo.org.za or webtickets.co.za
Jesse Clegg has just released his latest hit, Let It Burn for which he shot a music video which also features cameo appearances by South African musos like Jack Parow, Khan Morbee of the Parlotones, Abby Nurock and Ross Learmonth of Prime Circle. Before he heads off to LA, catch Jesse at the Radium Beer Hall in Orange Grove on November 30 and December 1. Tickets R170. Details and bookings: 083-542-1044.
Charles Dickens created a festive season favourite in the tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and how the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, help him see the error of his ways and change to become a generous man. Take the family to see Jason Ralph as Scrooge in a sumptuous production of A Christmas Carol at Pieter Toerien’s Theatre, Montecasino. December 5 – January 5. Tickets R130 – R180. Details: 011-511-1988.
The Imperial Ice Stars return to South Africa with Peter Pan on Ice. Take the family on a trip to Neverland to see this magical classic produced on a frozen stage. The skaters twirl and leap in a spectacular exhibition of amazing skill as they tell the much-loved story of Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys. The Teatro, Montecasino. December 6 – January 11 Tickets from R150. Details: 011-340-8000 or [email protected]
Brace up to meet Brad, Janet and Dr Frank’n’Furter in that outrageously over-the-top musical, The Rocky Horror Show. Craig Urbani plays Frank’n’Furter and he and the cast belt out all the famous songs like Dammit Janet, Sweet Transvestite and, of course, The Time Warp. Loaded with frivolity, naughty fun and a few rude parts, the show is on at The Teatro, Montecasino from January 17 to March 1. Tickets R100 – 500. Details:computicket.com
The National Children’s Theatre’s final production for 2019 is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (yay for Roald Dahl!). Join Charlie Bucket, his beloved Grandpa and Willy Wonka (along with some of the nastiest little brats ever) in the sweetest adventure of a lifetime. It’s on at The National Children’s Theatre in Junction Avenue, Parktown until December 22. Tickets from R130. Details: 011-484-1584/5 or [email protected]
Get ready to rock your socks off at Cirque Rock, an extravaganza of high energy dance routines set to music. You’ll watch dancers on skate boards, ladders and crates, see a touch of James Bond and listen to songs by the likes of Van Halen, Lady Gaga, Pink and Queen. Acts involving silk, pole, straps and acrobatics will blow your mind. Rivonia Barnyard Theatre until December 31. Tickets from R160. Details: 087-236-3088.
