The 20th Annual Naledi Theatre Awards: See All the Nominees

The 20th annual Naledi Theatre Awards just released the full list of nominees for productions presented during the 2024 nominations year. Here are the theatre shows that made the cut.

How the judging process works

The Naledi Theatre Awards cover all mainstream professional productions from the period 1 January – 1 December 2024 and judges typically evaluate over 100 productions in approximately 27 categories. The panel of judges consists of informed and regular theatre-goers, academics and members of the media covering the arts in Johannesburg.

“Our judges give up their personal time to see up to three or more productions a week – purely for the love of theatre and in an attempt to recognize excellence,” says Renos Spenoudes, Chair of the Judging Panels at the Naledi Theatre Awards. “We are always grateful to the producers, theatres and publicists who invite our judging panels to see their productions to ensure that their productions are considered for these prestigious awards.”

Momo’s Magical Adventure The Naledi Theatre Awards - What's on in Joburg — Momo’s Magical Adventure

Best Production for Children and Young Audiences

Aladdin Jr. by the Peoples Theatre
Disney’s The Lion King Jr. by the National Children’s Theatre
Momo’s Magical Adventure 2024 by Sandton City and Phly Media in partnership with Standard Bank Private
My Son Pinocchio Jr. by Peoples Theatre
Shrek The Musical Jr. by Oak Youth Theatre
Space Rocks by the National Children’s Theatre

Best Performance in a Production for Young Audiences

Kirsten Dickinson in Peter Rabbit And Me; National Children’s Theatre by arrangement with DALRO
Luciano Zuppa in My Son Pinocchio Jr. by Peoples Theatre
Palesa Makhalima in Winnie The Pooh Kids by Peoples Theatre
Raymond Skinner in Aladdin Jr. by Peoples Theatre
Trevor Lynch in Momo’s Magical Adventure 2024 by Sandton City and Phly Media in partnership with Standard Bank Private
Virtuous Kandemiri in Into The Woods Jr. by Pretoria Youth Theatre

Best Production: Fringe Theatre

4 Cups by Lea Seekoe and Wits School of Arts
Fatherhood by Alex Theatre Company and -Academy
Prayers at The Market Theatre
Swartwater by The Market Theatre Laboratory and Nama Khoi Productions supported by The National Heritage Council
Taxi Wars by the City of Ekurhuleni’s Dumisani Masilela Theatre in partnership with The Joburg Theatre
The Perfect Image of Sandra Khambule by TX Theatre and Diverse Motion Pictures
Yangthola by The Art Cave in collaboration with The Market Theatre Laboratory

Yangthola - The Naledi Theatre Awards - What's on in Joburg — Yangthola

Best Performance in a Fringe Theatre Production

Abongile Matyutyu in Graveland by Lule Productions
Alex Sono in Yangthola by The Art Cave in collaboration with The Market Theatre Laboratory)
Mathews Rantsoma in Walls And Pillows by TX Theatre
Momo Matsunyane in Unlearn-Ing Still by Momo Matsunyane and Bonono Kreativez in association with The Market Theatre Laboratory
Nthabeleng Masudubele in Nomzamo by Thabang Entertainment and National School of the Arts
Refilwe Setati in Taxi Wars by City of Ekurhuleni’s Dumisani Masilela Theatre in partnership with The Joburg Theatre
Seiphemo Motswiri in Be a Better Dog by African Tree Productions in association with PopArt

Best Production: Student Theatre

Dreamer by The King’s School Linbro Park
Godspell by Oakfields College
High School Musical Jr. by the Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria
Hondo Yedu by AFDA
In The Heights by Beaulieu College by arrangement with DALRO
The Trial by St. Benedicts College (Bennies On Stage)
Wat Wolke Weeg by Hoërskool Hugenote (Allegretto Toneelfees)

Best Performance by a Student in a Student Theatre Production

Kyle Cronjé in Rooi by the Nova Festival For New And Young Theatre, in collaboration with Scenario College and Die Centurion Teater
Liam Heaney in Matilda Jr. by De La Salle Holy Cross College High School by arrangement with DALRO
Neo Kele in Sister Act by Fourways High School
Penta Chord in Dreamer by The King’s School Linbro Park
Sinqobile Sithole in Eish! by St. Stithians Girls’ College
Talja Roux in High School Musical Jr. by Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria
Vuyokazi Ndlovu in In The Heights by Beaulieu College by arrangement with DALRO

Naledi Awards 2025 - What's on in Joburg — Joburg Ballet’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Best Production: Dance, Physical Theatre and Ballet

The Sleeping Beauty by Joburg Ballet
Amawethu by Luthando Arts Academy
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Joburg Ballet
Ditoro by The Market Theatre Laboratory and Thamsanqa Majela
Father & I by Windybrow Arts Centre, The Market Theatre and Moving Into Dance Trust
No Air by Kmad Dance Company

Best Choreography in Dance, Physical Theatre and Ballet Production

Jorge Perez Martinez for “Azul” from Scar/City by Joburg Ballet
Luyanda Sidiya for Amawethu by Luthando Arts Academy
Mario Gaglione for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Joburg Ballet
Sunnyboy Mandla Motau for Father & I by the Windybrow Arts Centre, The Market Theatre and Moving Into Dance Trust
Thami Tshabalala and Phume Sikhakhane for No Air by Kmad Dance Company

Best Performance in a Dance, Physical Theatre and Ballet Production

Nicole Ferreira-Dill in Sleeping Beauty by Joburg Ballet
Jayden Samuels in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Joburg Ballet
Monike Cristina in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Joburg Ballet
Ruan Galdino in Trilogy of Notes by WGRUV Dance Company
Thamsanqa Majela in Ditoro by The Market Theatre Laboratory and Thamsanqa Majela
Thabang Chauke in Father & I by the Windybrow Arts Centre, The Market Theatre and Moving Into Dance Trust
Lwazi Mnisi in No Air by Kmad Dance Company

Best Supporting Performance in a Play: Female

Carla Classen in Laaitie Mettie Biscuits by The Market Theatre and Momentum Beleggings Aardklop
Dianne Simpson in Agatha Christie’s Witness For The Prosecution by Pieter Toerien Productions
Khutjo Green in Ka Lebitso La Moya by Standard Bank, Momo Matsunyane, The South African State Theatre and Bonono Kreativez
Siyasanga Papu in Ka Lebitso La Moya by Standard Bank, Momo Matsunyane, The South African State Theatre and Bonono Kreativez
Stephanie Baartman in Laaitie Mettie Biscuits by The Market Theatre and Momentum Beleggings Aardklop
Ziaphora Dakile in The Brothers, Number One and a Weekend Special by The Market Theatre

Best Supporting Performance in a Play: Male

Job Kubatsi in The Suit by The Sello Maake KaNcube Foundation, Pearl Maake KaNcube and Daphne Kuhn
Mark Elderkin in Amadeus by Gloucester Productions
Peter Terry in Agatha Christie’s Witness For The Prosecution by Pieter Toerien Productions
Sello Ramolahloane in Exodus by The South African State Theatre in association with Masai Sepuru
Sibusiso Black Madondo in Ka Lebitso La Moya by Standard Bank, Momo Matsunyane, The South African State Theatre and Bonono Kreativez
Wayne Van Rooyen in Laaitie Mettie Biscuits by The Market Theatre and Momentum Beleggings Aardklop

Best Breakthrough Performance

Ashley Scott by The Sound of Music by Pieter Toerien Productions and Cape Town Opera
Brett Kruger by Agatha Christie’s Witness For The Prosecution by Pieter Toerien Productions
Dylan Janse Van Rensburg in Spring Awakening by Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA)
Jonathan Conrad in Spring Awakening by Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA)
Joshwin Dyson in Laaitie Mettie Biscuits by The Market Theatre and Momentum Beleggings Aardklop
Nicolas Hattingh in Expelled by How Now Brown Cow in association with The Market Theatre
Yahto Kraft in Meatloaf – The Rebel Ride by The CIRK and Stageworx

Best Musical Director

Amy Campbell for Spring Awakening by Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA)
Dale Ray for Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast by Joburg Theatre
Daniel Keet for Lucia di Lammermoor by Cape Town Opera
Jaziel Brothers for Thaba Bosiu – The Musical by The South African State Theatre in partnership with the Performing Arts Centre Of the Free State
Kevin Kraak for The Sound of Music by Pieter Toerien and Cape Town Opera
Wessel Odendaal for How To Date Like A F@#$&*! Grownup by VR Theatrical

Best Choreography/Movement Direction in a Play or Musical Theatre Production

Anna Olivier and Naoline Quinzin for Spring Awakening by Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA)
Duane Alexander for Mamma Mia by Showtime Management
Khaya Ndlovu for Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast by Joburg Theatre)
Sinenhlanhla Mgeyi for Coal Yard by The Market Theatre in partnership with Ubuxhakaxhaka Theatre Productions
Sinenhlanhla Mgeyi for Call Us Crazy by Dos Productions in partnership with The Market Theatre

Best Original Score/Arrangements/Soundscape

Chanie Jonker for Gé Sing: Hoor My Lied! by Lefra Produksies
Dale Ray for Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast by Joburg Theatre
Daniel Butcher-Geddes for How To Date Like A F@#$&*! Grownup by VR Theatrical
Jaco Smit for Aspoestertjie – Die Pantomime by Oak Entertainment
Mandla Mkaba for For Colored Girls by Joburg Theatre
Zolani Shangase and Tshepang Dean for Ka Lebitso La Moya by Standard Bank, Momo Matsunyane, The South African State Theatre and Bonono Kreativez

Best Cabaret, Revue or Small-scale Musical Production

4 Panado’s en ‘n Chardonnay by The Market Theatre Foundation and Drama Drama
Any Dream Will Do by André Schwartz
Gé Sing: Hoor My Lied! By Lefra Produksies
Meatloaf – The Rebel Ride by The CIRK and Stageworx
Swingin’ Las Vegas by Howard Events

Best Performance in a Solo Production

Andrew Buckland in The Ugly Noo Noo by Andrew Buckland in association with The Market Theatre
Ashley Dowds in Paul Slabolepszy’s The Return of Elvis Du Pisanie by Pieter Toerien Productions
Cara Roberts in The King of Broken Things by Theatresmiths in association with The Market Theatre
Elzabé Zietsman in Routrip by Drama Drama
Julie-Anne McDowell in My Name is Lucy Barton by How Now Brown Cow
Shannon Esra in My Left Breast by Stephanie Weil and Tarryn Edwards by arrangement with DALRO

Best Performance in a Solo Comedy Production (with elements of Stand-Up)

Alan Committie in Fast And (Reasonably) Furious by Gloucester Productions
Marc Lottering in Marc Eugene Lottering by Anwar McKay
Marianne Thamm in Marianne Thamm’s Round Of Applause Reloaded! by Marianne Thamm
Nik Rabinowitz in Pension Killer by Daphne Kuhn

Best Ensemble in a Musical Theatre Production

Ben Stannard, Che-Jean Jupp, Gabriella Knight, Gemma Bisseker, Gerard Van Rooyen, Hannah Norcott, Jasmine Minter, Jayden Dickson, Jude Bunyan, Killian Blerk, Nandi Nyivana, Noa Duckitt, Skye Themeda Goss, Tatum Coleman, Tjaart Van Der Walt & Tumelo Mogashoa in Spring Awakening by Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA)
Nontsikelelo Ndzume, Dudu Makhoba and Boitumelo Mohutsioa in Thaba Bosiu – The Musical by The South African State Theatre in partnership with Performing Arts Centre Of the Free State
Cast of Disney in The Magic Box by Fever & Proactiv Entertainment and RGB Entertainment in partnership with Showtime Management
Gina Shmukler, Kate Normington and Ilse Klink in Mamma Mia by Showtime Management
Jackie Lulu, Simtandile Sityebi and Jordan Rogers in Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast by Joburg Theatre

Best Ensemble in a Play

Botha Enslin, Marissa Claasen, Phillru Van Achterbergh, Danielle Britz, Nico Loubser, Nikita Meyer And Stefan Lotter in My Boetie se Sussie se Ou by Lefra Produksies
De Klerk Oelofse, Wessel Pretorius, Shanda Shandu and Ntlanhla Kutu in The Unlikely Secret Agent by The Market Theatre and Unlikely Productions
Diphapang Mokoena, Tumelo Mokoena, Abongile Matyutyu and Mbovu Malinga in Coal Yard by The Market Theatre in partnership with Ubuxhakaxhaka Theatre Productions
Khutjo Green, Momo Matsunyane and Noko Maboya in Call Us Crazy by Dos Productions in partnership with The Market Theatre
Lucky Mqoboli, Sibusiso Mkhize and Kamogelo Molatlhoe in A Street Taxi Named Desiree by The South African State Theatre
Rami Chuene, Ayanda Sibisi, Siyasanga Papu and Pulane Rampoana in The Cry of Winnie Mandela by The Market Theatre

Best Theatre Set and AV Design

Andrew Timm and Enos Ramoroko for Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast by Joburg Theatre
Jurgen Meekel and Andrea Rolfes for A Street Taxi Named Desiree by The South African State Theatre
Karabo Legoabe for Ka Lebitso La Moya by Standard Bank, Momo Matsunyane, The South African State Theatre and Bonono Kreativez
Kieran McGregor and Daniel Rutland Manners for Expelled by How Now Brown Cow in association with The Market Theatre
Michael Mitchell for Lucia di Lammermoor by Cape Town Opera
Michael Taylor-Broderick for The King of Broken Things by Theatresmiths in association with The Market Theatre

Best Costume Design

Illka Louw for Amadeus by Gloucester Productions
Mariska Meyer for Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast by Joburg Theatre
Maritha Visagie for The Sound of Music by Pieter Toerien Productions and Cape Town Opera
Michael Mitchell for Lucia di Lammermoor by Cape Town Opera
Nthabiseng Mokone for Ka Lebitso La Moya by Standard Bank, Momo Matsunyane, The South African State Theatre and Bonono Kreativez)
Sarah Roberts for Agatha Christie’s Witness For The Prosecution by Pieter Toerien Productions

Best Lighting Design

Faheem Bardien for The Sound of Music by Pieter Toerien and Cape Town Opera
Johan Ferreira for Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast by Joburg Theatre
Kieran McGregor for Expelled by How Now Brown Cow in association with The Market Theatre
Michael Taylor-Broderick for The King of Broken Things by Theatresmiths in association with The Market Theatre
Oliver Hauser for Lucia di Lammermoor by Cape Town Opera
Simon King for Lala Ngenxeba/Of Love and Revolution by The Market Theatre in partnership with COJ

Best Sound Design

Akhona Bozo for For Colored Girls by Joburg Theatre
David Classen for Spring Awakening by Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA)
Mark Malherbe for Mamma Mia by Showtime Management
Pieter-Louis van Twisk and Wilf Mahne for Aspoestertjie – Die Pantomime by Oak Entertainment
Zolani Shangase and Tshepang Dean for Ka Lebitso La Moya by Standard Bank, Momo Matsunyane, The South African State Theatre and Bonono Kreativez

Best Director of a Musical Theatre Production

Ferdinand Gernandt for Aspoestertjie – Die Pantomime by Oak Entertainment
Frans Swart for Gé Sing: Hoor My Lied! by Lefra Produksies
Janice Honeyman for Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast by Joburg Theatre
Napo Masheane for Thaba Bosiu – The Musical by The South African State Theatre in partnership with Performing Arts Centre Of the Free State
Steven Stead for The Sound of Music by Pieter Toerien and Cape Town Opera)
Sylvaine Strike for Spring Awakening by Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA)

Best Director of a Play

Alan Swerdlow for Agatha Christie’s Witness For The Prosecution by Pieter Toerien
Craig Freimond for Expelled; How Now Brown Cow in association with The Market Theatre
Josias Dos Moleele for Call Us Crazy by Dos Productions in partnership with The Market Theatre
Michael Taylor-Broderick for The King of Broken Things by Theatresmiths in association with The Market Theatre
Momo Matsunyane for Ka Lebitso La Moya by Standard Bank, Momo Matsunyane, The South African State Theatre and Bonono Kreativez
Simthembile Prince Lamla for Coal Yard by The Market Theatre in partnership with Ubuxhakaxhaka Theatre Productions

Best Supporting Performance in a Musical Theatre Production: Female

Janelle Visagie in The Sound of Music by Pieter Toerien and Cape Town Opera
Judy Ditchfield in Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast by Joburg Theatre
Kiruna-Lind Devar in Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast by Joburg Theatre
Nadia Beukes in The Sound of Music by Pieter Toerien and Cape Town Opera
Natalie Robbie in Spring Awakening by Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA)

Best Supporting Performance in a Musical Theatre Production: Male

Bongi Archi in Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast by Joburg Theatre
Dylan Du Plessis in Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast by Joburg Theatre
Francis Chouler in Spring Awakening by Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA)
Gerard van Rooyen in Spring Awakening by Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA)
Schoeman Smit in Aspoestertjie – Die Pantomime by Oak Entertainment
William Berger in The Sound of Music by Pieter Toerien and Cape Town Opera

Best Lead Performance in a Musical Theatre Production: Female

Brittany Smith in The Sound of Music by Pieter Toerien and Cape Town Opera
Carmen Pretorius in Aspoestertjie – Die Pantomime by Oak Entertainment
Elzabé Zietsman in 4 Panado’s en ‘n Chardonnay by The Market Theatre Foundation and Drama Drama
Scarlett Pay in Spring Awakening by Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA)
Stephanie Baartman in Gé Sing: Hoor My Lied!
Virtuous Kandemiri in Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast by Joburg Theatre

Best Lead Performance in a Musical Theatre Production: Male

André Schwartz in Any Dream Will Do by André Schwartz
Dylan Janse van Rensburg in Spring Awakening by Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA)
John Paka in Thaba Bosiu – The Musical by The South African State Theatre in partnership with Performing Arts Centre Of the Free State
Jonathan Conrad in Spring Awakening by Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA)
Yahto Kraft in Meatloaf – The Rebel Ride by The CIRK and Stageworx
Yamikani Mahaka-Phiri in How To Date Like A F@#$&*! Grownup by VR Theatrical

Best Lead Performance in a Play: Female

Altovise Lawrence in Oleanna
Charmaine Weir-Smith in Expelled by How Now Brown Cow in association with The Market Theatre
Mona Monyane in For Colored Girls by Joburg Theatre
Nambitha Mpumlwana in The Cry of Winnie Mandela by The Market Theatre
Tshireletso Nkoane in The Suit by The Sello Maake KaNcube Foundation, Pearl Maake KaNcube and Daphne Kuhn
Zevie Mampofu in Ka Lebitso La Moya by Standard Bank, Momo Matsunyane, The South African State Theatre and Bonono Kreativez

Best Lead Performance in a Play: Male

Alan Committie in Amadeus by Gloucester Productions
Billy Langa in Poet-O-Type by Theatre Duo and Inganekwane Creations in partnership with The Market Theatre
Brent Palmer in King George by Brent Palmer and Daphne Kuhn
Graham Hopkins in Agatha Christie’s Witness For The Prosecution by Pieter Toerien
Josias Dos Moleele in Ka Lebitso La Moya by Standard Bank, Momo Matsunyane, The South African State Theatre and Bonono Kreativez
Siyambonga Mdubeki in The Tragedy of Samuel Omunye by The South African State Theatre in association with Masai Sepuru

Best New South African Script/Adaptation

Christo Davids for Laaitie Mettie Biscuits by The Market Theatre and Momentum Beleggings Aardklop
Johan Slabbert for 4 Panado’s en ‘n Chardonnay by The Market Theatre Foundation and Drama Drama
Masai Sepuru for The Tragedy of Samuel Omunye and Exodus – Double Bill by The South African State Theatre in association with Masai Sepuru
Michael Taylor-Broderick for The King of Broken Things; Theatresmiths in association with The Market Theatre)
Momo Matsunyane for Ka Lebitso La Moya by Standard Bank, Momo Matsunyane, The South African State Theatre and Bonono Kreativez
Obett Motaung for A Street Taxi Named Desiree by The South African State Theatre
Rosalind Butler for Expelled by How Now Brown Cow in association with The Market Theatre

Best Production of a Play

Agatha Christie’s Witness For The Prosecution by Pieter Toerien
Call Us Crazy by Dos Productions in partnership with The Market Theatre
Coal Yard by The Market Theatre in partnership with Ubuxhakaxhaka Theatre Productions
Expelled by How Now Brown Cow in association with The Market Theatre
Ka Lebitso La Moya by Standard Bank, Momo Matsunyane, The South African State Theatre and Bonono Kreativez
The Cry of Winnie Mandela by The Market Theatre

Best Production of a Musical/Opera

Aspoestertjie – Die Pantomime by Oak Entertainment
Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast by Joburg Theatre
Lucia di Lammermoor by Cape Town Opera
Spring Awakening by Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander (LAMTA)
The Sound of Music by Pieter Toerien and Cape Town Opera

More about the Naledi Theatre Awards

The Naledi Theatre Awards was founded in 2004 by the late Dawn Lindberg, together with her husband, Des Lindberg. Their mission is to recognise and reward excellence in the Performing Arts, to raise the profile of Live Theatre and to create awareness of the abundant talent alive and well on our SA stages.

The Naledi Theatre Awards has honoured in excess of 70 Lifetime Achievers: veteran artistes, technicians, and administrators who have dedicated their lives to South African Theatre and also pays tribute to people in the Arts who have taken their final bows during the year under review.