There’s no better time to cosy up in a theatre, feel some feels, sing along, or be moved by the spirit. A hearty mix of shows return to the stage, the opening of a new theatre in Kloof Street (go try their spirits!) this winter.
Theatre
If you missed it, you have been given another chance. A Fool’s Guide to Living and Dying is Andrew Buckland’s latest one-man show, a physical comedy at the Baxter Flipside from 4 to 15 August. Through the world of contemporary tech, navigated with the virtuoso skill of an actor at the peak of his powers, Buckland is a savant of the theatre. Directed by Janet Buckland. Tickets cost between R150 and R190, no under 12s. Available on Webtickets. You can read our review on page 5.
UHAMBO (The Travelling), created and performed by Buhle T. Stefane, is a dark psyche-thriller of a man’s life and struggles with mental health. A multi-layered physical performance, UHAMBO is intense. Strap in. Runs at Theatre Arts from 1 to 3 August, and again from 17 to 19 August. Tickets cost R80, available on the Theatre Arts website.
One for the children, Grommels! at the Baxter Golden Arrow Studio from 1-13 August. A war between yellow and blue, two colours sliced by a grey wall in a grey world, the pair meet their young audience who help them find friendship and magic. Winner of multiple theatre awards, the production blends physical theatre, clowning and audience participation. Tickets cost between R130-R160 available on Webtickets.
Prima Facie at the Baxter Studio from 4 to 29 August. Suzie Miller’s globally acclaimed legal drama makes its South African debut, directed by the acclaimed Neil Coppen and starring Danica De La Rey Jones. Tessa, a brilliant barrister, gets ambushed by the very system she’s spent her career defending. No under 12s. Contains strong references to sexual assault and violence. Tickets cost R250 on Webtickets.
This isn’t just drag dahling, this is ABFAB DRAG! Cape Town’s top Queens slay at the Artscape Theatre on 7 and 8 August as part of the Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival. Lineup includes the incompaaaarable Vida Fantabisher, stars of “Beaulah Queens van die Kaap”, Manila von Teez and Kat Gilardi, the chaaaarismatic Jayde Kay Johnson, the eeeenchanting Angel Lalamore, and the taaaalented artist Mitchell Darling. Tickets cost R135 to R150, available on Webtickets.
Comedy
We finally get to find out why comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout got divorced. Having followed his nuptials on social media, his tour to Australia, then the sad-funny video announcing the end of his relationship,the award-winning snor will tell-all in Hey Hey Divorcé at the Baxter Concert Hall. Running 28 July to 2 August. Maybe his first and only show about divorce (his words!). Tickets cost R250, available on Webtickets.
Dance
The 13th South African International Ballet Competition returns to the Artscape Opera House from 4 to 6 August. Young dancers from around the world compete across classical and contemporary ballet categories in Africa’s largest international ballet competition. Tickets available on Webtickets.
Art
Those We Remember or Are Yet to Meet by Chemu Ng’ok is at Goodman Gallery from 20 July to 23 August. Kenyan-born, Johannesburg-based painter, Ng’ok explores human relationships in a swirling mass of colour.
HEAT Winter Arts Festival returns from 6 to 15 August, transforming Cape Town’s CBD into a walkable arts precinct. Fifteen galleries and museums will host exhibitions, talks, live music, comedy, performances and curator-led walkabouts under this year’s theme, Ctrl + Z. Festival passes and individual event tickets are available via the HEAT Festival website.
Music
Samthing Soweto’s Good Morning Live is the official live launch of his album Touch Is a Move: Good Morning at the Baxter Concert Hall on 25 July. Structured as one day, should be powerfully moving. Tickets cost R400 to R700, available on Webtickets.
Simphiwe Dana: The Symphonic Experience is at the Artscape Opera House on 29 July. Accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Dana revisits songs from across her career, reworked for a full orchestra. Tickets range from R200 to R650, available on Webtickets.
MANANA’s Mending Broken Hearts Tour stops at the Baxter Concert Hall on 1 August. His nationwide theatre tour follows the release of his debut album But could the moments in between. Soulful, heart and alles. Tickets cost R350-R650,available on Webtickets.
Tamia performs at the GrandWest Grand Arena on 6 August. The Grammy-nominated R&B singer returns to South Africa with a setlist spanning three decades, including Officially Missing You, So Into You and Stranger in My House. Tickets available on Webtickets.
Notable mentions
A new theatre space just opened up on kloof st. The Antique Theatre & Bar already has a lineup of two shows – Wolf Biscuit from 24-29 July , Seun on 7 & 8 August AND comedy on friday’s .Grab a drink then grab a show, more information on their website, theantique.co.za.