The musical shows and theatre in Johannesburg give a platform for unique entertainment, from blockbuster musicals on stage to cutting-edge performances and indie productions. Benn Ndzoyiya breaks down some of the best shows coming soon in Joburg.
Swan Lake National Tour
The production of Swan Lake that the two companies will dance was originally staged in Cape Town by French dancer Attilio Labis in 1971. Acclaimed SA choreographer Veronica Paeper will be responsible for restaging the ballet for the national tour.
The national tour opens at the Joburg Theatre from Friday, 4 July, until Sunday 13 July. Fine music lovers are in for a treat as The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s iconic Swan Lake score for the Johannesburg season.
Cost: From R240pp to R580pp. Book via Webtickets
When: Running from 4 to 17 July 2025. Various times
Where: Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
The Cirk presents Worlds Away
This family-friendly spectacle invites all into the world of a brave young star who embarks on a thrilling quest to find his lost sparkle. Through dazzling landscapes and mystical realms, he encounters daring obstacles and otherworldly creatures, all while uncovering truths about light, love, and belonging.
Presented by The Cirk, a highly acclaimed entertainment company known for six remarkable productions here in Joburg, Worlds Away promises a fully immersive experience. Audiences can expect breathtaking performances from a stellar cast, including gravity-defying acrobats, dynamic dancers, and soaring aerialists.
With each twist and turn of the storyline, these artists bring the young star’s journey to life, taking viewers on an emotional rollercoaster that celebrates courage, self-discovery, and the magic of circus arts.
Director Joanna Pawelczyk states excitedly, “Our 2025 season promises to be the best of all, with many upgrades in costumes and choreography. Audiences of all ages have simply loved the show and we can’t wait to bring it alive once again!”
Cost: From R180pp to R280pp, book via Koid. Readers receive a 20% discount on their tickets for 19 and 20 June only (prices are already discounted)
When: Running from 19 July to 17 August. The Premiere performance runs on Saturday, 19 July at 6pm. Thereafter, all performances are Saturday and Sunday at 2pm, with limited Friday shows at 7pm
Where: The Cirk at Cresta Shopping Centre, Cnr Beyers Naude Drive &, Weltevreden Rd, Cresta, Randburg
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a fast-paced musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, interpreted from the story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis.
The Pieter Toerien Theatre is bringing a season’s run of the show to Joburg, appealing to a brand-new generation of fans. The musical stars Dylan Janse Van Rensburg (Spring Awakening) as Joseph, Lelo Ramasimong as the Narrator, and Christopher Jaftha as Pharaoh, with a new young cast ready to wow audiences.
Expect to hear much-loved pop and musical theatre classics including “Any Dream Will Do”, “Close Every Door”, “There’s One More Angel In Heaven” and “Go, Go, Go Joseph”. Bursting with vibrant energy and unforgettable music and song, this production is set to captivate audiences of all ages.
Cost: R200pp to R475pp, book via Webtickets
When: 19 July to 28 September 2025. Wednesdays to Sundays at various times
Where: Pieter Toerien Montecasino Main Theatre, at Monte Casino, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg
My Favourite Broadway with Jonathan Roxmouth
Jonathan Roxmouth is taking the spotlight in My Favourite Broadway – a celebration of his personal selection of showstopping hits from some of the world’s most beloved Broadway musicals.
From the haunting passion of The Phantom of the Opera to the revolutionary anthems of Les Misérables, the grandeur of Evita, and the romance of My Fair Lady — this is Broadway as you’ve never heard it before, interpreted by the voice that has captivated a nation.
Accompanied by the newly formed 32-piece Egoli Symphonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Adam Howard, this show not only marks a triumphant homecoming for Jonathan Roxmouth, but also reunites him with his fans who have followed his illustrious career from the stages of South Africa to international acclaim.
Cost: From R240pp to R490pp, book via Webtickets
When: Friday to Sunday, 25 to 27 July & 1 to 3 August 2025 | Fridays at 7.30pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7.30pm, Sundays at 2pm
Where: Teatro at Monte Casino, Teatro Road, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg
Chicago
Due to overwhelming demand, Showtime Management is thrilled to announce the return of CHICAGO in 2025! This award-winning Broadway and West End smash will set the stage alight at Montecasino’s Teatro, Johannesburg from 3 October to 9 November.
Expect sizzling choreography, a seductive score, and all the razzle-dazzle of Bob Fosse’s signature style. Featuring iconic numbers like All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, and Mister Cellophane, this sexy, slick and sensational show is Broadway at its best—right here in Joburg.
Cost: From R150pp to R300ppp, and book via Webtickets
When: Running from 3 October to 9 November 2025
Where: The Teatro at Montecasino, Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg
Cape Ballet Africa presents The Nutcracker
Staged by renowned London-based choreographer Maina Gielgud and with magnificent sets designed by Michael Mitchell, The Nutcracker captures the wonder and joy of the festive spirit.
Maina Gielgud is a hugely experienced choreographer. She has danced with companies around the world, including Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet, Scottish Ballet, Australian Ballet, Ballet Nacional de Cuba, CAPAB, PACT, and the London Festival Ballet. She was also the director/associate director of the Australian Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, and Houston Ballet.
Michael Mitchell’s designs for productions including Madama Butterfly, Carmen, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Magic Flute, Porgy and Bess, and Mandela Trilogy have been enjoyed by audiences in, among other places, the London Coliseum, the Teatro Real Madrid, the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, and the Maifestspiele in Wiesbaden.
Cost: R220pp to R690pp, book via Webtickets
When: Thursday, 4 December to Sunday, 14 December. Various times
Where: Teatro at Monte Casino, Teatro Road, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg
Cats
The hit musical is brought to SA by Pieter Toerien and GWB Entertainment by arrangement with The Really Useful Group and in association with Cape Town Opera.
This new South African season will retain the original production’s creative magic, with design by John Napier, choreography by the late Gillian Lynne, and direction by Trevor Nunn - all part of the multi-award-winning original team behind the show’s spectacular legacy. The production promises to capture the hearts of new fans while rekindling the nostalgia of long-time theatre lovers.
The show features a magnificent musical score composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, including the timeless hit song “Memory”. Together with a fantastical oversized set, inspired choreography, and mischievous costumes, CATS is a brilliant song-and-dance spectacular not to be missed.
Cost: From R280pp to R580pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running from 17 January to 22 February 2026, various times
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St, Foreshore, Cape Town
