Don’t Miss the Biggest Theatre Shows in Joburg this Summer

Immerse yourself in dance and drama with these holiday theatre shows in Joburg that are set to light up the festive season. There are tall tales, magical ensembles and musicals, and timeless classics that include some of the best local and international talent to take centre stage.

WGRUV Dance Company Trilogy of Notes - A Symphony of Dance

WGRUV Dance Company Presents Trilogy of Notes – A Symphony of Dance

WGRUV Dance Company presents Trilogy of Notes – A Symphony of Dance, a new body of work for their third consecutive season. This dance production opens at three key theatres in Joburg, Roodepoort and Pretoria.

South Africa’s newest contemporary ballet dance company is set to enchant audiences with this triple bill, promising a night filled with class, culture, and breathtaking musical landscapes. The programme opens with Vivace Motifs, choreographed by Jessica Lang, whose visually stunning and emotionally resonant piece sets a refined tone.

Permission to Fall is next on the programme and is an original creation by Brad Beakes exploring a reflective contemporary narrative enriched by Ryan Lott and YMusic’s evocative score. The final work titled The Weight of a Moment, is choreographed by Michael Trusnovec, influenced by music set in the 1950s.

Cost: Atterbury Theate – from R170pp to R220pp, book via Seatme | Roodepoort Theatre – from R155pp to R220pp, book via Webtickets | Joburg Theatre – from R155pp to R220pp, book via Webtickets

When: Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria – 6 and 7 November at 7pm | Roodepoort Theatre – 20 to 23 November at 7pm and 3pm | Lesedi Theatre at Joburg Theatre – 4 to 6 December at 7pm
Where: Atterbury Theatre, Pretoria | Roodepoort Theatre, Johannesburg | Joburg Theatre, Johannesburg

A Spectacle of Wonder at Circus Galassia

Relive the golden age of authentic circus with a captivating series of two-hour matinee and evening shows staged in a traditional tented circus setting.

The unique charm of the Circus Galassia showcase is their intentional focus on human-only entertainment – no real animals feature in any of the acts. What’s more, the acrobats, jugglers, clowns and daredevils are all world-class talent from various parts of the globe that serve up breathtaking and death-defying stunts under the masterful eye of the ringmaster.

While you’re there, round out the festive feels with candy floss and freshly popped popcorn, and wash down warm hotdogs with a range of slushies while you and the family are transported through the wonders of the circus.

Cost: R170pp to R350pp, book online via Circus Galassia. What’s on in Joburg readers receive a 15% discount on tickets purchased by 12 December 2024. Use code 24WJ15 at checkout

When: 12 December 2024 to 12 January 2025 | Various days, from 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm
Where: Sandown High School, Rivonia Drive, Sandown, Sandton

Relive Non-Stop 70s & 80s Hits with Disco City at the Lyric Theatre

Get ready to shake up the holiday season with Disco City, a fresh new song and dance show at the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef. The show revives all the unstoppable songs and dance moves from the 70s and 80s. Expect a fun-filled, toe-tapping extravaganza where you can let loose and step back in time with groovy classics.

At the heart of Disco City are two exceptional vocalists who will bring the era’s soulful sounds to life. First, there’s Tracy-Lee Oliver, the diva from Grabouw in Cape Town. Joining her is Oscar T, a South African talent fresh off international stages.

Cost: R260pp, book via Webtickets

When: Running from 27 December 2024 to 12 January 2025 | Various evenings, from 7pm
Where: Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, Johannesburg

A Swingin’ Christmas

Johannesburg audiences are in for a special holiday treat as the Johannesburg Big Band presents A Swingin’ Christmas, a festive concert promising an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

For one weekend only this musical showcase lights up Carnival City’s Big Top Arena with spirited holiday classics, joyful harmonies, and South African flair. The showcase also brings together an extraordinary line-up of South African musical icons, including Mzansi Youth Choir, Kurt Darren, Zwai Bala, Harry Sideropoulos, and Monique Steyn.

Audiences can expect favourites like ‘Santa Baby’, ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’, and local treasures like ‘Christmas in SA’ and ‘Somer Kersfees’, ensuring a diverse selection that reflects the holiday spirit in all its forms.

Cost: R280pp to R550pp | Early bird and group discounts apply | Tickets available via Webtickets

When: 14 and 15 December 2024 | Shows start at 12 noon & 4pm (on both days)
Where: Big Top Arena, entury Rd, Elsburg Road, Carnival City, Brakpan Johannesburg

A heartfelt holiday stage story for all ages with Momo’s Magical Adventure

This holiday season, Sandton City is upping the feel-good, magic-filled factor for the whole family, with an all-new Momo’s Magical Adventure theatrical production, in collaboration with Standard Bank Private.

With a bold new storyline, Momo’s imagination once again takes centre stage, where everything shimmers a little brighter and anything is possible. The story takes audiences on a journey, lunging them into the depths of the luminous sea before flying them to space for a totally surreal cosmic odyssey.

Cost: R60pp, book online via Sandton City

When: 5 December 2024 to 5 January 2025 | Tuesdays to Sundays from 11am to 5.30pm (showings are 30 minutes each). There are no showings on Christmas or New Year’s Day.
Where: Sandton City, 83 Rivonia Rd, Sandhurst, Sandton

Phillip Dikotla’s Unforgettable One-Man Stand-Up Special

Big Comedy Live presents Phillip Dikotla in his brand-new comedy special, LIVE (HERE), set to hit Johannesburg this December. Known for his sharp wit and compelling storytelling, Dikotla’s latest show promises audiences a holiday escape with a healthy dose of laughter and a fresh look at the festive season’s ups and downs.

Combining hilarious takes on relatable holiday moments with his signature observational humour, Dikotla riffs on the awkwardness of family gatherings, the struggle of navigating holiday expenses, and the quirks of surviving a South African December.

Cost: R250pp | Tickets available exclusively via phillipdikotla.live

When: 6 December 2024 from 7pm
Where: Nu Metro Cinema, Cnr Jan Smuts Ave and, 6th Rd, Hyde Park, Johannesburg

An immersive acrobatic theatrical experience with The Cirk’s Gatsby production

Step into the dazzling world of the Roaring Twenties with Gatsby: A Cirque Extravaganza.

This immersive theatrical experience brings glamour, excess, and tragic romance to life with a breathtaking fusion of cirque artistry and vintage opulence. The venue is beautifully decorated to transport you to the world of flappers, jazz and forbidden love.

Acrobats soar above in a mesmerizing display of aerial silks, while contortionists and dancers weave through the crowd, embodying the spirit of Gatsby’s legendary parties. Each act unfolds to immerse the audience in the grandeur of the Jazz Age.

Cost: R180pp to R300pp, book via Koid

When: 1 November to 15 December 2024 | Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm | Sundays at 2pm
Where: The Cirk, Shop L205a Cresta Shopping Centre, Corner Beyers Naude and Weltervreden Road, Randburg

Disney’s The Magic Box brings music from Disney’s beloved songbook

Disney’s The Magic Box makes its English-language production world premiere in the motherland. The show, featuring an all-South African cast and crew, opens in Johannesburg in November before embarking on an international tour.

The musical, which originally premiered with great success in January 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, immerses the audience in an unprecedented theatrical adventure that combines puppetry, elaborate costumes, and projections in an innovative and large-scale staging.

The show is a sensory experience that pays tribute to the art of animation and invites the audience to reconnect with the legacy of Disney music through the stories, songs, and characters that have accompanied them through the different stages of their lives.

Cost: R200pp to R550pp, book via FeverUp

When: 22 November 2024 to 5 January 2025 | Wed, Thurs and Fri at 7.30pm | Sat at 1.30pm, 4.30pm and 7.30pm | Sun at 2pm and 5pm
Where: The Teatro, Montecasino, Teatro Road, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg

Mzansi Ballet's Carmen theatre shows in Joburg

The passionate world of Carmen comes to life through dance

Mzansi Ballet—The Nation’s Ballet—presents a thrilling new production venturing into the passionate world of Carmen.

Choreographed by the acclaimed José Manuel Buzón Ruiz from Madrid’s University of Juan Carlos, in collaboration with Mzansi Ballet’s own Angela Revie, Carmen showcases a powerful story of love, jealousy, and betrayal set to the iconic music of Georges Bizet.

This bold reimagining of the classic tale brings together the fiery rhythms of flamenco, the elegance of ballet, and the high-energy moves of Pantsula, creating an explosive fusion of dance styles like never before. Adding an authentic Spanish flair, Mzansi Ballet has partnered with the Spanish dance community in Johannesburg and Pretoria to create a truly dynamic production.

To add to the experience, Mzansi Ballet is teaming up with The Hussar Grill at Montecasino to offer an incredible deal for attendees to enjoy a 20% discount on both their tickets and dinner—but only when they use both discounts together.

Cost: R200pp to R350pp, book via Webtickets

When: 11 to 22 December 2024 | Various shows at 3pm and 7.30pm
Where: Pieter Toerien at Monte Casino, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol onstage

A timeless production with Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol returns to Montecasino having played to sold-out audiences for many years now.

This beloved classic transports audiences into the heart of Victorian London to follow the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas, kindness, and the importance of giving back.

Described as “a sumptuous banquet for the eyes, ears, and imagination; a sensory delight for any tired soul,” this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless story is a heartwarming celebration of humanity, family, and the boundless generosity of the human spirit.

Cost: From R150pp to R230pp, book via Webtickets

When: 27 November to 8 December 2024 | Times vary
Where: Pieter Toerien Theatre, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Magaliessig, Johannesburg

Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast Pantomime

The Joburg Theatre is proud to announce Janice Honeyman‘s re-telling of the timeless classic, Beauty, the Beast and the Enchanted Castle. With all the usual fun, laughter and topical jokes, dazzling costumes, exciting choreography and musical arrangements that have delighted audiences for decades, this pantomime offers audiences a fresh and inspired new South African take on the classic tale.

In addition, Joburg Theatre, in conjunction with CHOC (the Childhood Cancer Foundation SA), is running a Festive Season Book Drive for the duration of Beauty and the Beast. Guests attending to watch the show can donate gently-used children’s and young adult books whilst there.

Cost: R200pp to R370pp, book via Webtickets

When: 12 November to 22 December 2024 | Various times
Where: Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Cinderella in The ABBA Show A Cinderella Story

Mzansi Ballet’s The ABBA Show – A Cinderella Story

Get ready for a magical celebration of fairytales and pop music as Mzansi Ballet returns with The ABBA Show this summer. Combining the timeless music of ABBA with the beloved story of Cinderella, this whimsical ballet promises to be an unforgettable holiday treat for all ages.

Featuring the exceptional dancers of the Mzansi Ballet, this show sparkles with fun, romance, and of course, those unforgettable ABBA melodies. There is also a gift donation initiative taking place over the course of the production, to be given to charities. Gifts are also available for purchase at the theatre prior to the performance and during the interval.

Cost: R200pp to R350pp, book via Webtickets

When: 26 December 2024 to 19 January 2025 | Wednesdays to Sundays with various shows at 3pm and 7.30pm
Where: Pieter Toerien at Monte Casino, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg

The Youth Russian Dance Company cast in The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker ballet by The Youth Russian Dance Company

Enter the enchanting world of The Nutcracker ballet, gracefully performed by the Youth Russian Ballet Company (YRBC). The YRBC are a South African youth ensemble lovingly trained in the heart of Johannesburg, dedicated to the captivating artistry of the Russian Ballet method.

Step into a world of holiday wonder and be swept away by the captivating story, breathtaking choreography, and the grace of talented ballerinas as they use movement to tell the tale of the battles and triumphs of a young girl who befriends a Nutcracker that comes to life.

The ballet is all set to the magical melodies of the legendary composer, Tchaikovsky.

Cost: R150pp to R350pp, book via Webtickets

When: 7 and 8 December 2024 | Saturday at 12pm and 5pm | Sunday at 11am and 4pm
Where: Main Theatre at Roodepoort Theatre, 100 Christiaan de Wet Rd, Florida Park, Roodepoort

A much-loved animation film comes to life in Aladdin Jr

The Peoples Theatre showcases the production of Aladdin Jr, based on the Disney animation film.

This enchanting story of Aladdin combines all the elements of exciting live entertainment through a fabulous set, costumes and music. The play is set to captivate young audiences and remind grown-ups that there is a child-like sparkle in all of us.

Cost: R140pp – R165pp, book via Webtickets

When: 12 November to 22 December 2024 | Tuesday to Friday, 9am and 11 am | Saturday and Sunday, 10.30am and 2.30pm
Where: Peoples Theatre at Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg