WANT to keep your children entertained these school holidays? Do not worry, we have got you covered. Durban has a lot of shows and festivals that are suited for the whole family. The shows will be a cheerful way to round off the year and bond with your loved ones.

Aladdin & the Pirates

Westville Theatre Club presents its annual year-end family pantomime with Aladdin and the Pirates, written by Brian Luff and directed by Jill Sysum.

The story follows the villainous pirate Abanazer, who schemes to steal Aladdin’s magic lamp, unleashing trouble for the young hero. In classic panto fashion, Aladdin overcomes every obstacle, defeats the baddie, and wins the heart of Princess Eugenie.

Audiences can expect a riot of colour and comedy from a cast of lively characters; Dame, genies, pirates and even a penguin – along with plenty of music, dancing and high-spirited mayhem.

Promising laughter, romance and family fun, the production offers a cheerful way to round off the year.

Evening show dates are December 4 to 6 and 11 to 13 at 19:00. Matinee show dates are December 7 and 14 at 14:30. Patrons to bring their own eats and drinks (picnic style).

Ticket prices are R120 per person and R100 for pensioners, members and students. Contact Dorothy on 083 776 1754 or dorothyannoneill@gmail.com to book.

Sinbad the Sailor

KickstArt presents their 2025 Durban festive panto Sinbad the Sailor, a riotous romp over the Seven Seas, in the company of the famous sailor, Sinbad, and his madcap crew and family, which comes to the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on UKZN campus from December 4 until January 11.

With gloriously colourful sets and costumes that evoke the exotic mystery and magic of the Arabian Nights, and exciting music and dance, inspired by Bollywood, this is a unique, unforgettable pantomime experience for the entire family.

Sinbad the Sailor is written and directed by Steven Stead, and designed by Greg King, with spirited choreography by Evashnee Pillay.

This delightful production, that will appeal to all ages, stars Rory Booth as Sinbad, Bryan Hiles as his mother, Dame Donna Kebab, Lyle Buxton as his nemesis, Long John Slither, Belinda Henwood as the scheming sorceress Morgiana the Magnificent, and Roshanda Lewis as his love interest, Marina. The show also stars Marion Loudon, Blessing Xaba and Mthokozisi Zulu.

Performances are at 14:30 Tuesday-Sunday, 11:00 and 15:30 on Saturday.
Running time is two hours and 25 minutes (including a 20-minute interval). No under threes permitted.

Book your tickets at Webtickets.

Hark! In-Car-Nation returns

The In-Car-Nation returns this December with exciting twists. The treasured community tradition will take place at the Kloof Baptist Church (KBC) from December 3 to 7 and families are invited to embark on a 30-minute immersive theatre journey that will touch hearts long after the final curtain call.

KBC’s Amber Eayrs said this isn’t just another ‘no room at the inn’ story. It’s the true Christmas story as you’ve never experienced it before, right from the very Beginning in the Garden of Eden.

The In-Car-Nation was started as a creative pandemic response in 2020 and has blossomed into a cherished annual tradition.

The event is free, but booking is essential. Shows run at 19:00, 19:30, 20:00, and 20:30 nightly. Book per car (not per occupant) at Eventbrite.com.

For more information visit https://www.kbc.org.za/incarnation/

Uncle Jumbo is in town!

The popular family pantomime, Uncle Jumbo’s Christmas Party, hosted by the Kloof Round Table, and now in its 49th year, is taking place at the Kloof Civic Hall till December 6.

Uncle Jumbo is an interactive Christmas show for children. Funds raised from the show go towards charity.

The first show is performed for children’s homes where each child is treated to a Christmas gift and a meal.

Parents or guardians can bring a wrapped gift for their child with their name clearly marked on it – their name will be called out at the end of the show to come collect their present from Father Christmas.

Tickets cost R85 and can be purchased from Kloof Village Spar or visit https://itickets.co.za/

A Fairytale Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens’ timeless story about life’s second chances, A Christmas Carol, has been joyfully adapted to A Fairytale Christmas Carol, the Musical, to be staged by the Young Performers Project at the Playhouse Drama Theatre from December 5-21.

This original festive season family-friendly production blends familiar fairytale characters with the well-known story about how the miser Scrooge has a change of heart for Christmas.

Musical numbers include a mixture of original songs with familiar and much-loved carols as well as a few surprises.

The cast includes senior primary as well as high school learners, and members of Durban-based International School of Performing Arts to provide maximum experience opportunities for as many aspirant young performers as possible.

This year, over 300 learners from a variety of schools in Durban auditioned to be part of the YPP programme. The cast of A Fairytale Christmas Carol features 80 children from 45 schools from throughout KZN – from as far as Richards Bay. The youngest is nine. They have been rehearsing for seven weekends.

There will be a special Relaxed performance on Friday, December 5, where formal theatre etiquette of silence and stillness won’t be enforced, enabling people and families with different needs to feel welcome and comfortable in a supportive environment.

The lights will be dimmed but not darkened throughout. For this performance, before the show starts, some of the main characters will come in front of the curtains to introduce themselves so that patrons become familiar with the performers ahead of the show.

A Fairytale Christmas Carol is presented by The Young Performers Project, The Playhouse Company and Pioneer.

Tickets are available at Webtickets. The show is 75 minutes, and there is one interval.

A feast of dance for all abilities

The fourth Flatfoot Access Festival which celebrates inclusivity and disability through dance is on show in Durban until December 6.

The festival features workshops, panel discussions, and performances by local and international artists, including Amanuel Solomon from Ethiopia’s Katim Disability Dance.

The festival’s highlights include: Amanuel’s solo performance ‘Who am I?’, new works by Flatfoot dancers Sifiso Khumalo and Jabu Siphika, performances by the Flatfoot Downie Dance Company and Flatfoot access panthers. There will also be workshops, including a free session by Amanuel on Ethiopia’s traditional dances on December 3, from 14:00 to 15:45 at Stable Theatre.

Tickets cost R85 (R65 for scholars/students) at Stable Theatre, 115 Johannes Nkosi Street, Greyville. Showcase performances are on December 5 at 18:00 and December 6 at 14:30.

Laugh out loud

After a sold-out run in Johannesburg, the Celeste & Da Big Dudes Comedy Special is finally coming to Durban for the first time on December 4. As the festive season settles in, South Africa’s queen of comedy, Celeste Ntuli, is set to light up the playTSOGO Globe at Suncoast with her sharp wit, bold humour, and unmistakable stage energy. She’ll be joined by a line-up of some of the country’s standout comedians, each bringing their own flavour to a night built for pure enjoyment.

Known for blending social observations with confident storytelling, Celeste has a way of drawing an audience in and keeping the room laughing from start to finish. The Durban show promises an atmosphere full of personality, surprise moments, and the kind of jokes that stay with you long after the night ends.

Doors open at 18:30 and the show starts at 20:00. Tickets cost R250, R300, R350, R450 and are available at Ticketpro.


Party with the animals

Kick off the festive season with a celebration that’s all about good vibes, great music, delicious food, and most importantly, supporting the animals who need us most!

On Saturday, December 6 from 13:00 to 14:00, the Kloof and Highway SPCA hosts Party in the Paddocks, a feel good festival for animal lovers.

Enjoy live music with Freddy L, Jaryd Smith, Tanner Wareham, Steve Umcolo and Mnqobi.

There will be food as well. “From gourmet bites to classic comfort food, our food vendors have something for everyone, whether you’re craving sweet, savoury, or something in between,” said the organisers.

There will be a jumping castle and face painting. Dogs on leads are welcome. Tickets cost R220 for adults, children aged seven to 12 years pay R120, and children under six enter for free.

People can bring their cooler box/bag (with own beverages) for R100. Tickets available at www.quicket.co.za.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter here