Beat the boredom this coming week with a variety of entertainment that is on offer in Durban. From laugh out loud comedy shows, music, markets and a school holiday programme, be part of it all and enjoy.

Thenjiwe is powerful and unplugged (Friday, October 3)

Expect hilarious new material, wild true stories, and the wisdom of a woman when South Africa’s comedy queen Thenjiwe returns to her Durban hometown roots to stage her most personal and powerful show yet — Thenjiwe Unplugged.

After a world tour with The Mandela Effect and a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Festival, Thenjiwe will be on stage on Friday, October 3, at The Playhouse from 19:00. Expect bold truths, fearless comedy, and a few surprises — including where she was when the pandemic hit. Tickets for the show cost from R250 to R350, and can be purchased via Webtickets.

Singalong to Broadway legend (Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 5)

Lisa Bobbert’s one-woman cabaret tribute to Broadway legend Ethel Merman will create a stir of excitement at the Rhumbelow Durban in Umbilo this weekend, October 3 to 5, which will have you singing Hello, Dolly all the way home.

Bobbert will perform three shows, on Friday at 19:30, Saturday at 14:00 and Sunday at 14:00. Audiences can expect Bobbert’s take on the iconic roles and songs that made Merman a household name. From Gypsy to Annie Get Your Gun, this show is a thrilling ride through the highs and lows of Merman’s remarkable life and career. With direction by Darren King, this cabaret promises to be an unforgettable evening of music, drama, and nostalgia.

Tickets for the show cost R200 and R180 for pensioners. Booking is essential and can be done via email: roland@stansell.co.za or at Webtickets.

Have a laugh with your cousin (Friday, October 3)

Get ready for an evening of side-splitting laughter as the iconic Barry “The Cousin” Hilton takes command of the iZulu Theatre stage at Sibaya Casino on Friday, October 3.

As a veritable legend and one of South Africa’s most beloved comedians, Hilton has perfected the art of observational humour over his decades-long career where he has become known for his clean, witty, and wildly relatable humour that spans generations.

The show begins at 19:00 and tickets cost R200 per person via Webtickets at the iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom (1 Sibaya Dr Umhlanga Rocks, Durban).

Moonlight Market shines in Durban North (Friday, October 3)

The Moonlight Market on 21 Uitsig Road in Durban North is coming back bigger and better on Friday, October 3, from 17:00 to 21:00.

The market has a variety of food and goods on offer, from Texas style smoked brisket and pulled pork sandwiches to jewellery and clothing items.

Westown school holiday programme (Friday, October 3)

Westown Square is the place to be this October, with a School Holiday Programme curated to delight and entertain kids of all ages.

On Friday, October 3, the movie How to Train Your Dragon will be screened for free at The Bowl at Westown Square from 18:30. Bring your picnic blankets and camp chairs for a free outdoor movie night under the stars. Food and beverages will be sold – no food/ beverages may be brought into the venue.

On Sunday, October 5, crowd favourite and regular, Angel, will wow Westown Square for the Sunday Soundtrack Vibes session.

Poetry festival adds global voices (Monday, October 6 until Ocotber 11)

The Seabrook Theatre has been confirmed as the host venue for the 29th Poetry Africa Festival, from October 6 to 11, starting at 18:00.

Presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at UKZN, the hybrid festival offers online sessions, Global Conversations and the final of a new national Slam Poetry champion. The festival will open on Monday, October 6, with a keynote address by the festival’s featured poet: sociologist, poet and civic activist Professor Ari Sitas, who will run a free online programme alongside in-person events through to Saturday, October 11.

Tickets for in-person events are available via Webtickets; online sessions are accessible for free. This year’s theme, “Poetry: an Architecture for Social Justice”, asks how poetic expression becomes a structural framework for equity, inclusion and transformation: bridging divides, giving voice to the marginalised and challenging injustice. Tickets are via Webtickets and the full programme is available on www.poetryafrica.ukzn.ac.za.

The National Slam Poetry finals will be held from October 10 to 11.

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