Aweh! Find out what’s happening in Durbs
Below is a directory of what will be happening in Durban. Everyone is invited to various activities, markets and shows happening in the next couple of days.
IT’S summertime in Durban, so dive into the waters of pure entertainment and fun that the coastal city has to offer.
Fun family panto returns
Get ready for a spectacular blend of classic charm and contemporary hilarity at this year’s must-see fun family pantomime, Snow White Incorporated. The show, written and directed by Melanie Visser, will be presented at the Westville Theatre Club. A fresh twist on the beloved fairy tale, this production reimagines Snow White as a savvy young woman who transforms her fate with the help of seven unforgettable companions, and Grimmland gets a modern makeover.
Set in the whimsical kingdom of Grimmland, this dazzling performance features everything you love about pantomime – laugh-out-loud comedy, audience interaction, a heartwarming message of friendship and some toe-tapping songs such as I Like to Move It, Wrecking Ball, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, What Was I Made For?, Workin’ 9 to 5, I’m a Believer, Barbie Girl, The Greatest, It Must be Love, and I’ll Be There for You.
Evening show dates are December 5–7 and 12–14 at 19:00. Matinee show dates are December 8 and 15 at 14:30.
Ticket prices are R100 per person and R80 for pensioners and students. Contact Dorothy on 083 776 1754 or dorothyannoneill@gmail.com for bookings.
Get into the festive season on a high note
End the year with a colourful, riotous bang with KickstArt’s rollicking family panto version of Puss in Boots at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from December 5 to January 12. Set on an enchanted Caribbean Island, the show features sumptuous sets, colourful costumes, song, dance and jokes a-plenty. Puss in Boots stars the ‘fur-midable’ Rory Booth in the title role, with William Young as his hapless owner, Tom Marzipan; Blessing Xaba is Tom’s long-suffering mother, Merry Marzipan; and Lyle Buxton is his meathead of a brother, Tristram.
Others in this all-star cast include Bryan Hiles as Grimsby Withergood; Roshanda Lewis as Princess Miranda; Mthokozisi Zulu as King Magnum the Magnanimous; Belinda Henwood as the good fairy; and Calypso Honeybunch and Kirsty Ndawo as Lord Grimsby’s cat, Selina Swiftclaw.
First performed in 2015, KickstArt’s 2024 reprise promises to be a feel-good, ‘claw-ver’ show the whole family can enjoy. This season’s ‘purr-fect’ revival will be directed by Darren King, with ‘paw-some’ set designs by Greg King, ‘light-on-their-feet’ choreography by Simone Mann and lighting by Tina le Roux. The show’s playlist has been updated with well-known songs like Brave by Sara Bareilles and Hero by Mariah Carey, and returning are crowd favourites, such as Rhythm of the Night by Debarge, Michael Buble’s Sway, Katy Perry’s Roar, and Ricky Martin’s La Vida Loca, as well as a host of other hummable, popular songs that’ll have your toes tapping and your kids singing along!
Performances are at 14:30 on weekdays and Sundays and 11:00 and 15:30 on Saturdays. Tickets can be purchased through Webtickets.
Pop-up festive market
The Glenwood Village has opened a Festive Gifting Pop-Up store, which is like a festive market but more, with a collection of vendors selling crafts and prezzie ideas. The pop-up features proudly South African Vittoria and Co – a lifestyle collection of locally made clothing, accessories and gifts, such as cases, bags, hair clips, jewellery and funky shoe laces. Sharing the space is Utahwashe Kiddies’ Spa which offers pampering and wellness for youngsters.
On Friday, December 6, at 14:00, there will be a free afternoon Summer and Festive Family Fashion Show, hosted by Roberta Alessandri Models and Events, in and around the centre atrium. Grab afternoon tea at one of the coffee shops and get a front-row view of the fashions.
Over the festive season, there will be live music every Saturday morning courtesy of Durban’s own Gary McKenzie who will be singing holiday tunes and making visitors aware of activities and promotions taking place throughout the centre. There will be a Christmas Gift Wrapping Station to wrap your presents while you wait. And every Tuesday is pensioner’s day at the centre.
Entry is free, and everyone is welcome. Glenwood Village does not charge for on-site parking, has guarded street parking and is easily accessible on public transport. The centre is at the corner of Che Guevara and Hunt roads, Glenwood, Durban. Contact 031 201 0137.
Buzz market
Situated at 38 Pitlochry Road, Westville, the Buzz Market is every month at month end. The market caters to everyone with food stalls, craft items and fresh produce. It’s a family market and caters for children’s activities, as well. Contact 073 647 0494.
Holiday season I heart Market
The ever-popular, artisanal I heart Market will be open for three days during the holiday season on December 7, 14 and 21, at Northlands Primary School, 20 Gleneagles Drive, Durban North, to enable shoppers to do their gift-purchasing for Christmas.
With an enormous array of creative, homegrown goods, I heart Market is redefining the joy of gift discovery. With three consecutive markets in December, shoppers should be sure to find a perfect gift, whether it be a unique handmade craft masterpiece, décor, unusual Christmas decorations, jewellery, accessories, distinctly South African items or a one-of-a-kind keepsake fashion item.
Families can enjoy a relaxing day out together, with a dedicated, supervised play area for the little ones, ensuring everyone has a great time. Most of the market is housed in an air-conditioned hall, which makes shopping in the warmer weather much more comfortable, come rain or shine. There is also ample parking with car guards.
Carols and kilts
The Durban Caledonian Pipe Band and Friends present the 12th annual production of Carols and Kilts – at Shongweni Farmer’s Market on Saturday, December 7, at 16:00, and at the DLI Hall in Greyville on Sunday, December 8, at 14:00.
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 numbers, including evergreen bagpipe favourites, such as Highland Cathedral and Auld Lang Syne, as well as some more contemporary favourites – such as John Farnham’s The Voice; The Gael from Last of the Mohicans and the Leonard Cohen’s masterful Halleluiah.
The Durban Caledonian Pipe Band will be supported by musicians on electric, acoustic and bass guitar, keyboard, saxophone, drum kit, and the noble cowbell, as well as guest vocalists. Among the special guests will be Garth Strydom (electric guitar), Nick Mowbray (keyboard) and Cassie Rae (vocals).
They will be joined by dancers performing with the band – twin sisters, Samantha Wood and Melissa Alberts, from Celtic Heartbeat. The concert can be enjoyed – at Shongweni Farmer’s Market on Saturday afternoon, overlooking the top of the Shongweni Valley. A range of food and beverages will be available there, so no need to bring your own food and drinks.
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