Another eventful weekend is on the cards for those looking for entertainment around Durban. The city has concerts, comedy shows and markets to suit all taste buds. To find out what’s happening in Durbs, see the list of events below:

Elvis has left the building
The sweet sounds of music will reverberate loudly at the Rhumbelow Theatre when the cinema screening of Elvis has left the building is aired at the intimate venue at 42 Cunningham Road, on Monday, June 2, from 18:30 in honour of the late Jaziel Vaugh’hann.

The slick music compilation featuring Belinda Dolphin, Junaid Cassimjee and Lorraine McVean, who also directed the show, slides smoothly from one number to the next while engaging the audience. The trio, on certain performances, are accompanied by Kerwin Robert on sax and guitar, and the two dancers, Keandre Brahim and Nicole Dolphin.

Roland Stansell of Rhumbelow Theatre said the three singers performed individually and in combination, their voices blending beautifully when singing together. He praised Robert, who performed to excellent backing tracks, as “the saxophonist blended in as if the band was behind him”.

The show relies on their talent and there is minimal voice-over narration. “It’s performed on a bare, opulently-curtained stage with newly-acquired lighting. The production is visually enhanced by many costume changes, so that there is never a dull moment. These in no way detract from the quality of the singing and full use is also made of the area in front of the stage. The lighting and follow spots are spot on (no pun intended),” said Stansell.

“From the resounding opening number American Trilogy, other highlights are Everybody Hurts (Lorraine McVean), Volare (Belinda Dolphin), Unforgettable (Junaid Cassimjee, Lorraine McVean), All the Way (Junaid Cassimjee and Belinda Dolphin as Frank Sinatra and Celine Dion), and especially the Elvis Presley medleys which include All Shook Up, Blue Suede Shoes, Devil in Disguise, Jailhouse Rock, Teddy Bear and Hound Dog. Particularly enjoyable were a take-off of Amy Winehouse by Junaid Cassimjee in drag and Belinda Dolphin in Zulu dress singing Ndhamba Nawe, both of which brought the house down.”

Entry to witness the screening of this showcase is R50 and can be purchased via Webtickets or by emailing roland@stansell.co.za. Picnic baskets are allowed. There is limited secure parking at the venue. Booking is essential. For more information call 082 499 8636.

031 Theatre Festival brings the laughs

The 031 Theatre Festival is once again bringing the laughs to The Seabrookes Theatre at Durban High School with the likes of Lisa Bobbert and Ben Voss set to take to the stage from Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 8.

The third annual theatre festival, spearheaded by Bobbert and Aaron McIlroy (Macbob Productions) and Michael Broderick (Theatresmiths), will feature various productions that are performing at this year’s National Arts Festival in Makhanda / Grahamstown. The programme features two comedy dramas (I Can Buy Myself Flowers; Becoming Benno), one improv show (Comedy Games), a cabaret (Ethel) and two musical comedies (ADHD; Date Night).

I Can Buy Myself Flowers, taking its name from Miley Cyrus’ anthem for single women, is a one-woman show by acclaimed Cape Town actress Erika Breytenbach. It’s a comedy drama telling the story of Natalie Jackson, an estate agent in her 50s, who entertains as she reflects on the ups and downs of relationships, children, professional life and her women friendships.

Following phenomenal success at the Adelaide International Festival in Australia, Fleur du Cap & Best of the Adelaide Fest award winner Ben Voss brings Becoming Benno to his home ground, South Africa. In this internationally acclaimed heartfelt comedy, Ben is detained by border officials at Sydney Airport due to an issue with his Permanent Residency Visa. Will he be admitted or sent back to SA?

Bobbert presents Ethel, her latest one-woman cabaret tribute to the Queen of Musical Theatre – the incomparable Ethel Merman, whose voice defined Broadway. The one-woman musical celebrates Merman’s life, legacy, powerful voice and iconic performances in classic Broadway musicals. The 031 Theatre Festival is set to conclude on a high note with the hilarious musical comedy, Date Night, starring McIlroy and Bobbert on Sunday at 18:00. Festival tickets range from R130 to R150 and can be purchased via Webtickets.

Good to Know:
Friday, June 6:
I Can Buy Myself Flowers – 18:00
Becoming Benno – 20:00

Saturday, June 7:
Ethel – 14:00
I Can Buy Myself Flowers – 16:00
Becoming Benno – 18:00
Comedy Games – 20:00

Sunday, June 8:
ADHD – 14:00
Ethel – 16:00
Date Night – 18:00

Durban Vinyl Fair
The Durban Vinyl Fair will take place at the Stella Sport Club in Glenwood on Saturday, May 31, from 10:00 to 14:00. The event, hosted by Mark Clausen and Vinyl Records South Africa Group, has a number of traders and great food on offer. For more information, contact Mark on 061 465 1911.

Live performances at The Barn on The Square

Durban’s new hottest entertainment venue, The Barn on The Square at Westown, is making all the right sounds and moves in the industry. A number of artists are scheduled to perform at the venue over the weekend.

Friday, May 30, will see Stewy perform from 17:00 to 20:00. Sunday will have two live performances. Trevor Don Jeany will take to the stage from 11:00 to 14:00, followed by The Kickstands from 15:00 to 18:00.

Lifestyle Comedy and good food

Join Durban comedian Philani Charles Mthethwa for twice the fun and laughter, as well as 5-star dining, with his signature Lifestyle of My Comedy Time show. Mthethwa will have two shows in as many weeks. The first will be on Thursday, May 30, at the ONE Restaurant on Esther Roberts Road in Glenwood. The second show will be at La Parada Suncoast on Thursday, June 5. Tickets for the Glenwood show range from R150 to R400 and can be bought at Webtickets. The show begins at 19:00.

Moonlight Market shines bright
Under the moonlight on Friday, June 6, you will be able to peruse the stalls at Durban North’s night market, from 17:00 to 21:00. Located on 21 Uitsig Road, Durban North, Durban North Night Market offers a variety of food, crafts, kids playground and live music which adds to the ambience.

Live music adds to the vibe of The Musgrave Market
Vendors and live musicians always bring the absolute best vibes to The Musgrave Market which is held every Saturday, from 09:00 to 15:00, at Berea Park, Stephen Dlamini Road, Musgrave. The market is pet friendly and entry is free. Live music begins at 11:00. For more information email themusgravemarket@gmail.com or call 073 625 6725.

I Heart Market indulges the senses
A full feast for the senses will be on offer at the I Heart Market on Saturday, June 7, at Northlands Primary, Durban North. Partnering with the KZN Spirit Festival to host a mini sensorium experience, patrons of the market will have five hours, from 09:00 to 14:00, to enjoy a powerful, immersive sound journey led by vocalist and healer Anne-Marie Clulow (one of the 2025 festival facilitators).
“Expect conscious touch, and a sensory soundscape experience that includes theta and beta waves, binaural beats, vocals, saxophone and soul-shifting energy. This is your chance to experience a taste of what SENSORIUM is all about — and even better, we’ll be giving away full experience tickets to the KZN Spirit Festival 2025 at the market,” said manager of the market, Tanith Molliere. The venue is dog friendly and free to enter. For more information, visit https://www.iheartmarket.com.

True love triumphs in Coppelia

From Saturday, May 31, Coppelia with its charming and mischievous plot, brightly coloured costumes and glorious music will set hearts aflutter at the Durban Playhouse from 14:00. Coppélia is as ideal for families and serious dance lovers, as it is for newcomers to the ballet. True love triumphs in this enchanting fairytale which features three main characters, the young Franz, his fiancée Swanilda and the mysterious doll-maker, Dr. Coppelius, who creates the life-like doll, Coppélia. It features the Cape Town City Ballet and the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra. For more information or to purchase a ticket visit Webtickets.

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