From ballet and comedy to poetry, Durbanites are spoilt for choice this week

Lisa Bobbert and Aaron Mcllroy. Picture: Supplied

Lisa Bobbert and Aaron Mcllroy. Picture: Supplied

Published Oct 2, 2024

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THEATREGOERS can expect a fun and educational ballet performance coming to The Playhouse on Saturday, October 5, for two shows only.

Presented by Dandelion Studios of Dance, Roald Dahl’s “The Golden Ticket” will follow the journey of the young Charlie Bucket.

He is a kind-hearted boy from a poor family who wins a coveted golden ticket to tour the magical chocolate factory of the eccentric and reclusive chocolatier, Willy Wonka.

Along with four other children, each with their own flaws, Charlie gets to explore the whimsical world of the factory, encountering Oompa-Loompas, fantastical candy creations and life-changing lessons.

As the tour progresses, one by one, the other children succumb to their own vices of greed, gluttony, vanity and selfishness, while Charlie’s humility and goodness shines through.

In the end, Charlie is chosen as Wonka’s successor and he s is rewarded with the factory, securing a future filled with hope and joy for him and his family.

The ballet is a colourful, imaginative and heart-warming story, filled with humour, adventure and moral lessons which are brought to life through expressive dance, music and vibrant visuals.

Where: The Playhouse Drama Theatre.

When: Saturday, October 5, at noon and at 3pm.

Cost: Tickets cost R170 and are available through Webtickets.

Poetry Africa

The Durban leg of the 28th edition of Poetry Africa, presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, will kick of at the Seabrooke Theatre at Durban High School from October 10.

Under the theme, “Poetry: Somehow, We Survive”, poets from around the country, the African continent and other parts of the world will converge to engage in panel discussions, campus and school visits, poetry exchanges, book launches, open mic sessions and a slam jam competition.

Where: The Seabrooke Theatre at Durban High School.

When: From Monday, October 10.

Cost: Ticket prices vary according to sessions and packages. Visit Webtickets for more information.

The Drakensberg Boys Choir during their recent tour to the UK. Picture: Instagram

Drakensberg Boys Choir Weekly Concert

This month, the Drakensberg Boys Choir will showcase their world-renowned repertoire of classics and modern pop, combined with unique Drakie arrangements including foot-stomping, drum beating and dancing, at their weekly concert.

The choir will light up the theatre with their angelic voices and patrons can look forward to an afternoon of pure fun and toe-tapping song.

Where: The Drakensberg Boys Choir School.

When: October 9, 12, 23 and 30.

Cost: Tickets range from R180 to R220 and are available through Webtickets.

Lisa Bobbert and Aaron Mcllroy. Picture: Supplied

A Night of Musical Comedy Madness”

Durban’s comedy veterans Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert will return later this month with their latest offering, “Whackie Wednesday: A Night of Musical Comedy Madness”, which is a combination of music and laughter.

Renowned for their razor-sharp wit and hilarious impressions, the husband-and-wife duo are amped to bring their unique brand of musical comedy to fans.

Don’t miss this evening of unbridled laughter and musical mayhem. Doors will open at 6pm and the show will start at 7.30pm. There will also be drinks and food on sales from the Saders Kitchen.

Where: The Northwood Crusaders Sports Club.

When: Wednesday, October 16.

Cost: Tickets cost R180 and are available through Webtickets or at Pick n Pay Stores.

The Royal Opera – “Marriage of Figaro”

The Rhumbelow Theatre Umbilo is welcoming the 2024/25 Royal Opera House cinema season with the live stream of Mozart’s masterpiece, “The Marriage of Figaro”.

David McVicar returns to direct this witty yet profound tale of love, betrayal and forgiveness.

Ying Fang makes her long-anticipated Royal Opera debut as Susanna, alongside Jacquelyn Stucker as the Countess.

Conductor Julia Jones leads a largely international cast which includes Luca Micheletti as Figaro, Huw Montague Rendall as Count Almaviva, with Ginger Costa-Jackson also making her Royal Opera debut as Cherubino.

Where: The Rhumbelow Theatre.

When: Sunday, October 20, at 1pm.

Cost: Tickets cost R175 and can be purchased through Webtickets.