M-Net & M-Net Movies JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS

 *Please Note: This line-up is subject to change*

SUNDAY NIGHT MOVIES

Sunday, January 5 2024 at 20:05

The Last Rifleman | War/Thriller

A WWII veteran escapes his care home in Northern Ireland and embarks on an arduous but inspirational journey to France to attend the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Sunday, January 12 2024 at 20h05

Breathe | Science Fiction

An action-filled sci-fi. Air-supply is scarce in the near future, forcing a mother and daughter to fight to survive when two strangers arrive desperate for an oxygenated haven.

 

Sunday, 26 January 2024 at 20h05

Wonka | Musical Fantasy

A delightfully magical musical treat. A young chocolatier, Willy Wonka, armed with nothing but a hatful of dreams, manages to change the world, one delectable bite at a time.

FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIES

Friday, January 3 2024 at 21h00

One Life | Period Drama

The story of Sir Nicholas 'Nicky' Winton, a young London broker who, in the months leading up to World War II, rescued 669 predominantly Jewish children from the Nazis.

Friday, January 10, 2024, at 21h00

| I.S.S | Science Fiction Thriller

A deep-space sci-fi thriller. Tensions flare in the near future aboard the International Space Station as a conflict breaks out on Earth.

Friday, January 17 2024 at 21h00s

The Caine Mutiny Court Martial | War/Thriller

Follows a naval officer who stands trial for mutiny after taking command from a ship captain he felt was acting in an unstable way, putting both the ship and its crew in danger.

Friday, 24 January 2024 at 21h00

Asphalt City | Medical Thriller

An intense medical thriller starring Sean Pean. A young paramedic is paired with a seasoned partner on the night shift in New York revealing a city in crisis.

Friday, January 31 2024 at 21h00

Night Swim | Horror Thriller

A gripping horror. A family moves into a new home, unaware that a dark secret from the house's past will unleash a malevolent force in the backyard pool.

SERIES PREMIERES

Monday, January 6 2024 at 21h00

Tulsa King | S2 EP1

As Dwight and his crew prepare for the opening of their casino and new weed shop, the law comes knocking.

Tuesday, January 7 2024 at 20h00

Accused | S2 EP1

Follows Lorraine Howell, a struggling psychic medium. Lorraine becomes involved in the case of a missing boy, Roy, after claiming to have visions of him. Despite scepticism and personal struggles, Lorraine's involvement brings hope to Roy's desperate family.

21:00 | The Responder | S2 EP1

Chris Carson returns to the beat in Liverpool. Struggling with personal and professional turmoil, Chris tries to reconnect with his daughter, Tilly. His efforts are complicated by his ex-wife's plans to move to London. Chris's night shift brings new challenges, including a dangerous encounter with a drug dealer.

Wednesday, January 8 2024 at 20h00

Law & Order | S24 EP1

When NYPD responds to an active shooter scene in a nearby hospital, Shaw is shocked at his connection to the suspect. Maroun and Price face a difficult trial.

Hot Pick Monday, January 13 2024 at 20h00 The Day of The Jackal| S1 EP1 | [Brand New] Academy Award-winner Eddie Redmayne dazzles, glides - and kills without a blink – in The Day of the Jackal, coming to M-Net (DStv Channel 101) on January 13 at 200h00. A retelling of the 1971 Frederick Forsyth novel of the same name – with the 86-year-old author serving as a consulting producer – The Day of the Jackal is a ‘Bond-gone-bad-meets-villainous-Bourne-meets-cat & mouse-game’ of epic proportions. An elite sniper, a master of disguise and a highly trained killer, the Jackal (Redmayne) is an assassin, coldly carrying out hits for a fee. Following an attack on a high-profile and notorious politician, he's offered his riskiest job yet - one that could pay him enough to leave his murderous career for good. But his work has attracted the attention of Bianca (Lashana Lynch), a tenacious British intelligence officer, whose world-class expertise in firearms makes her the ideal candidate to hunt him down.

Wednesday, January 15 2024 at 22h00

Killing It | S1 EP1 | Double Bills

A shocking and chaotic series premiere. Craig applies for a business loan, but an encounter with an Uber driver changes his life forever.

Thursday, January 16 2024 at 22h00

Boetie Boer | S1 EP1 | [Local]

A horrific premiere. In 1997, a boy goes missing from an informal settlement in PE. When a suspect's alibi doesn't check out, he is questioned and confesses to more than just the boy's murder.

Monday, January 20 2024 at 22h00

Mary & George | S1 EP1

A gripping premiere. Mary Villiers develops a cunning plan to transform her family's fortunes forever, but first, she must convince her beautiful but rebellious son to rise and claim his destiny.

Wednesday, January 22, 2024 at 18h00

The Block | S18 EP1 | Mon-Fri

Five new teams compete in a "Tree Change" challenge. They must renovate massive homes on 10-acre properties. The episode features the teams' first task: a 48-hour House Decider challenge to determine their house choices.

Hot Pick Thursday, January 23 2024at 20h00 Recipes for Love & Murder | S2 EP1 | [Local] The story of Tannie Maria, a cook and amateur detective, continues. In season 2, a large fire engulfs the small town of Eden and a fateful chain of events is triggered and Tannie Maria, Jessie and Khaya get dragged into a multiple murder investigation that unearths the town’s darkest secrets.

At 21h00

Ghost | S4 EP1

While Sam and the ghosts race to find him, Isaac comes face to face with Puritan ghost Patience for the first time since she was lost in the dirt.

Friday, January 24, 2024, at 19h00

Equalizer | S5 EP1

McCall races to rescue two siblings who run into trouble after stealing a grocery truck carrying firearms. Meanwhile, Harry and Delilah help Mel through her trauma after her kidnapping.

Saturday, January 25, 2024 at 19h00

Orlando Bloom: To the Edge | S1 EP1 [Brand New]

Actor and adventure lover Orlando Bloom sets out on a journey of self-discovery, challenging himself physically, mentally, and spiritually through three extreme sports: wing suiting, free diving, and rock climbing.

At 20h00

Action | S1 EP1 | [Brand New]

A high-stakes world of espionage and intrigue. The episode follows a skilled operative who must navigate dangerous missions and complex relationships.

Sunday, January 26, 2024, at 18h00

MasterChef Australia Dessert Masters | S1 EP1 | [Brand New]

Some of the most exciting names in pastry, desserts, and all things sweet and delicious will bring their elite skills to the competition as they contend to be Australia's first Dessert Master.

HOT PIC Monday, January 27 2024 at 19h00 Matlock | S1 EP1 | [Brand New] Emmy and Academy Award-winner Kathy Bates stars as Madeline ‘Matty’ Matlock, a brilliant lawyer who uses her unassuming demeanour to win cases. Matty is assigned to Olympia (Skye P. Marshall), a senior attorney and key rainmaker with a thirst for justice, while Olympia's ex-husband, Julian (Jason Ritter), the son of the head of the firm, is intrigued by Matty and the way she uses wily tactics to win cases and expose corruption from within. Matty works alongside the firm's younger associates -- the charismatic Billy (David del Rio) and the ultra-ambitious Sarah (Leah Lewis) - as she endeavours to establish herself in her new high-stakes world.

M-NET MOVIES 1-4

MM1 | Animania Festival

• The Colour Purple

• The Ladybug

• Legion of Super-Heroes

• Home

• Puss in Boots

• Trolls: World Tour

• The Elfkins

• Magic Arch

• The Adventures of Rufus the Fantastic Pet

• Kung Fu Panda 2

MM2 | Best of the Best

• Silent Night

• Blue Beetle

• Land of Bad

• Blade of the 47 Ronin

• The Exorcist

• Wire Room

• Scream

• Gunpowder Milkshake

• Every Last One of Them

• Angel has Fallen

MM3| Home for the Holidays

• Ride Along

• Ride Along 2

• State of the Union

• Blade Runner 2049

• Final Destination

• No One is Safe

• Ocean’s 8

• Gladiator

• Elysium

• A Quiet Place

MM4 | Kids Club Festival

• Batman VS Superman

• Shrek Forever After

• Surf’s Up

• Ballerina

DURBAN FILMMART INSTITUTE OPENS SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 18TH EDITION OF TALENTS DURBAN

The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) is thrilled to announce the call for submissions for the 18th edition of Talents Durban, a talent development programme in partnership with the Berlin International Film Festival. Taking place in July 2025 in Durban, South Africa, this year’s Talents Durban will run alongside the Durban FilmMart, Africa’s premier film finance and co-production market.

A unique platform tailored to African film professionals, Talents Durban has evolved into a vital forum for creativity, collaboration, and project development. This programme offers emerging talents an opportunity to network, gain expert mentorship, and explore new insights into the craft and business of filmmaking across the continent.

Talents Durban invites African screenwriters and directors with fiction, documentary, animation, or hybrid projects in development to apply. The programme accepts submissions across various formats, including feature films, television series, web series, and mobile content. Additionally, Talents Press welcomes applications from emerging film critics and journalists eager to refine their skills and re-imagine the landscape of film criticism.

A panel of industry experts will select participants to join an immersive programme featuring mentorship labs, workshops, and discussions aimed at enhancing their creative and professional abilities. These sessions will focus on key disciplines such as directing, scriptwriting, and film criticism, offering participants a comprehensive, hands-on experience.

“With 17 years of Talents Durban shaping and inspiring African filmmakers, the Durban FilmMart Institute is pleased to see this programme grow,” says Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute. “Talent development is the cornerstone of a thriving film industry, and Talents Durban plays a critical role in empowering the next generation of African storytellers. This programme is a testament to the incredible diversity and transformative potential within African cinema.”

This year’s edition combines an online and physical programme. Participants will engage in an 8-week online mentorship, culminating in a 4-day in-person summit in Durban.

Programme Overview: Talents Labs

Talents Durban offers four dedicated labs, each tailored to specific areas of film and media:

* Storytelling Lab: Encompassing six feature film scripts, six short film scripts, and four web series concepts, each guided by expert mentors to enhance narrative depth and development.

* Animation Lab: Supporting four animation projects, with a focus on project development, character design, and the business aspects of animation.

* Doc Lab: Targeting six documentary projects in development, offering expert guidance and mentorship.

* Talents Press: Three emerging film critics will receive hands-on training and mentorship, producing festival coverage through film reviews, interviews, and social media.

Eligibility and Application Process

Talents Durban is open to African citizens aged 18 or older by 1 July 2025. The selection process requires a complete application, including a sample of past work and details of a project in development. The primary language of the programme is English, with specific sessions available for French and Portuguese speakers. DFMI will cover accommodation and accreditation costs for successful applicants. Participants will need to arrange their own travel to Durban in July 2025.

Important Dates

The submission window opened on 10 December, 2024, and closes on 09 February, 2025. Selected participants will join the online mentorship from May to July and attend the in-person Durban FilmMart event in July 2025.

How to apply:

Click here (https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/talents-durban-application/)  for more details on application information.
APPLY HERE (https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/talents-durban-application/)

** For more information: info@durbanfilmmart.com (mailto:info@durbanfilmmart.com)

DATE NIGHT

 

(Above: Lisa Bobbert and Aaron McIlroy)

Laugh Out Loud with Aaron & Lisa @the Northlands Bowling Club!

Get ready for Date Night an hilarious musical comedy cabaret coming to the Northlands Bowling Club this Christmas Season!

What would the end of the year be like without Durban's favourite comedic couple, Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert, latest comedy cabaret. Date Night, will be performing at the Northlands Bowling Club, Rhumbelow Theatre from December 19 to 31.

This sidesplitting show is a must-see for couples and friends looking for a fun and entertaining night out over the festive season. Date Night promises an evening of laughter, love, and lunacy as Aaron and Lisa take to the stage with their unique blend of crazy characters and hilarious songs.

With their trademark chemistry and irreverent humour, the duo tackles the ups and downs of relationships, marriage, and middle age while leaving audiences in stitches.

Directed and choreographed (once again) by the amazing Daisy Spenser, don’t miss Date Night at the Northlands Bowling Club, Rhumbelow Theatre this Festive Season.

Book your tickets now for a night of unadulterated fun and laughter! All seats are allocated by the theatre management. Tables seat 8

December 31 will include dance music till 1am. Bring food picnic baskets. Bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Venue opens 90 mins before show.

Limited secure parking available

Venue - Northlands Bowling Club, 50 Margaret Maytom Ave, Durban North

CREATING SAFER SPACES IN THE FILM INDUSTRY

 

** Addressing Systemic Challenges in the Global Screen Industries Report from the Durban FilmMart 2024 Safer Spaces Roundtable
------------------------------------------------------------

In July 2024, the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) convened a think tank session titled "DFM Safer Spaces Roundtable" to address critical issues affecting the global screen industries. This event, co-curated by Themba Bhebhe and Marion Schmidt, brought together diverse voices from across the continent and beyond to tackle topics such as cultural safety, political safety, sexual harassment, power dynamics, and accountability.

The session was inspired by initiatives like #DocSafe and driven by DFMI's commitment to fostering a more equitable environment for African screen professionals. The roundtable sought to create a space for open dialogue, sharing of experiences, and collaborative problem-solving around these pressing concerns.

Participants from the film community identified key challenges, including the lack of formalized structures and protocols, the vulnerability of filmmakers and film workers, the disproportionate influence of funders and institutions, and the need for solidarity, collective action, and empowerment.

The discussions highlighted the importance of accountability and restorative justice, as well as the necessity for systemic change through policy, training, and education. Participants also emphasized the need to address the capitalist and post-colonial pressures that often prioritize profit over the well-being of workers and communities.

The insights and recommendations from this session are not meant to be final answers, but rather a continuation of an ongoing conversation. DFMI is committed to implementing the lessons learned and to continuing these crucial discussions, with the hope of inspiring further action and change across the global screen industries.

You can read the full report here by clicking on the below link.
REPORT (https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DFM-2024-Safer-Spaces-Report-FINAL-VERSION.pdf)

MANDLA MLANGENI AT THE CHAIRMAN

 Experience the Sonic Brilliance of Mandla Mlangeni at The Chairman

Join the Chairman for an evening where jazz transcends boundaries with the exceptional Mandla Mlangeni. Recognised as the Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz in 2019, Mlangeni has been a pivotal force in revitalising South Africa's jazz scene.

 Event Details:

·       Date: Saturday, December 21st

·       Venue: The Chairman, 146 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Durban

·       Doors Open: 19h00

·       Show Starts: 22h00

·       Tickets: R200

About Mandla Mlangeni: A Johannesburg-based trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, Mlangeni leads acclaimed ensembles such as the Amandla Freedom Ensemble and the Tune Recreation Committee. His innovative compositions blend traditional African sounds with contemporary jazz, creating a unique and captivating musical experience.

Why Attend? Mlangeni's performances are celebrated for their vibrant energy and profound musical narratives. His work not only entertains but also engages with social discourses, making his concerts both thought-provoking and exhilarating.

Secure Your Seat: Tickets are limited. Ensure your place at this extraordinary event by booking through Quicket.

Embark on a musical journey that celebrates the rich tapestry of South African jazz with Mandla Mlangeni at The Chairman.

https://www.quicket.co.za/events/295479-mandla-mlangeni-live-at-the-chairman/?ref=events-list#/ 

PLAY PIANO PLAY!

Christopher Duigan will present an exciting programme for a New Year’s Eve early evening concert at Casa Mexicana in Pietermaritzburg.

For the annual New Year’s Eve concert, Christopher Duigan revives his Play Piano Play programme from earlier in the year. An exciting and highly entertaining performance selection including ragtime, tango, jazz, popular music, and film music along with contemporary meditations along a Neo-Classical line!

Casa Mexicana is located at 35 Montgomery Drive in Pietermaritzburg. The concert takes place on December 31 at 19h00. Includes tango by Plaza and Piazzolla, Gershwin’s Someone to Watch Over me, Take Five, the South African anthem Manenberg, Dizzy Fingers, Duigan’s own compositions and music by Einaudi.

Tickets R150 concert only. Bring your own drinks – glasses provided. Venue opens at 18h30. Secure parking.

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. Book via Whatsapp 083 417 4473 or through booking@musicrevival.co.za

NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL TURNS 50

 

The National Arts Festival presents this report:

Marking 50 years has been both a celebration and a period of introspection. One thing is clear; the National Arts Festival has changed. As it should. The Festival at 50 is more compact but it’s also more diverse than ever, with a greater spread of South African languages being spoken by Festival-goers and more multi-lingual works on the stage. It attracts strong and interesting works from every province in the country and we continue to see new generations of artists and audiences coming to the Festival. The Festival has also held its place as a ‘right of passage’ for artists in South Africa with many artists also seeing it as a yardstick to mark the progression of their careers.

The DNA of this diversity was planted with the Fringe. The National Arts Festival was conceived in 1974 to uphold and promote works in English, at first performing classical and contemporary works that were formed overseas. With the cultural boycott, more South African works emerged at the Festival, notably those of Athol Fugard, Pieter Dirk-Uys and Gibson Kente. But the introduction of the Fringe in 1979 was the definitive moment for the National Arts Festival to become a space where artists could experiment, create, share and test their own works outside of the Festival’s curatorial frame.

This fundamental independence and freedom of expression is still at the core of the National Arts Festival. We create the platform for fearless work. And although a good portion of the programme is carefully curated by our Artistic Committee to highlight specific themes and engage with current issues, it is also a Festival formed and defined by artists.

In 2024, our country also celebrated 30 years of democracy. It is this diversity of thought, creativity and ideas that we see on stage that upholds democracy. In a world that is showing alarming shifts away from democratic principles, the arts have a vital function to keep us from hegemony and we proudly play a role in reflecting the complexity of our multi-faceted, richly diverse culture.

Our deepest thanks to those who have walked this path with us. Our steadfast partner, Standard Bank, celebrated 40 years of supporting the Festival this year. This is the longest running arts sponsorship in South Africa and we are grateful that Standard Bank has been at our side, actively contributing to the evolution of the Festival over the years.

The Eastern Cape government has also walked a long road with the Festival, sharing our vision for the development of opportunities for Eastern Cape artists and the exceptional talent that comes out of this province. We are extremely grateful for their support and vision. The Sarah Baartman District Municipality has been a supporter for over 25 years, showing the commitment of local government to growing the arts and tourism for the area.

The Department of Arts and Culture is also a steadfast partner and an important one for the Festival’s place in a bigger contribution to the country’s cultural ecosystem. Our gratitude to them for their support but also for the support they give artists in creating and moving work.

We are also extremely grateful to the National Lotteries Commission for their allocation of funding during the 2024 year.

Beyond our core partners, are the many essential relationships that the Festival relies on. These include the National Arts Council, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, the SABC, HEINEKEN Beverages and Business and Arts South Africa.

The National Arts Festival also works closely with the Makana Municipality; both as a host city for the Festival and through the Social Employment Fund. This project sees the Festival’s organising capacity facilitating work programmes in Makhanda across cleaning, recycling, filling potholes, renewal and upliftment. The project has seen 1,600 people gain temporary employment in 2024. This in a town where unemployment rates are exceptionally high and employment is the lived experience of very few adults.

This year we have also been a founding partner in the formation of the Festival Enterprise Catalyst Programme, a project that sees us partner with Nasionale Afrikaanse Teater-inisiatief (NATi), Concerts SA, Woordfees, Aardklop, Suidooster Fees, KKNK and the Tribuo Fund to co-produce work across the South African festival circuit; extending jobs and sustainable income for artists and technical teams throughout the country in a two year, R20 million programme. This project is supported by the Jobs Fund of the Department of Trade and Industry and marks a significant step in the recognition of the creative sector as a driver of employment.

The National Arts Festival benefits enormously from the work of twelve board members who support the Festival, its programmes and its objectives. Their sage advice, tireless efforts and expertise is greatly appreciated.

It's been a busy year, and we are grateful for all the wishes and encouragement we received as we celebrated the milestone that is half a century.

We begin 2025 with the hosting of the Mandela Bay Arts Festival with our partners at the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (February 22 - March 2), while also focusing on the creation of the 51st National Arts Festival. Be sure to join us in Makhanda from June 26 to July 6 2025 as we celebrate a new decade for the Festival – with a soon-to-be revealed new identity.

To all our supporters, partners, families and friends – we wish you a well-deserved rest. To the artists for whom this is often a busy period, we hope you are safe and seen and can take the rewards you richly deserve.

Our 50 year story stands testament to the belief in a dream. If you are an aspiring artist with dreams of becoming great, the stage awaits and the dream is alive.

See you in 2025!

The National Arts Festival team

ELF THE MUSICAL JUNIOR

 

(Pics supplied)

It’s time to Sleigh!

Book Now

Get ready to be dazzled by the Young Performers Project's production of Elf The Musical Junior in association with the Durban ICC, proudly presenting the South African Premiere of this heartwarming holiday classic!

This hilarious fish-out-of-water story, based on the beloved 2003 film, tells the tale of Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and finds himself at the North Pole.

Raised as an elf, Buddy's enormous size and poor toy-making abilities lead him to discover the truth: he's actually a human! With Santa's blessing, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his father and discover his true identity.

 

Featuring catchy songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, vibrant choreography, and a delightful blend of humour and holiday spirit, Elf: The Musical JR is perfect for audiences of all ages.

Directed by Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert, with musical direction by Des and Anthony Govender, with choreography by Evashnee Pillay this spectacular production stars Nathan Kruger as Buddy, Iain Robinson as Walter Hobbs, Buddy's dad, Marion Loudon as his step mom and Unaye Mndau as Santa. The talented young cast features talented students from schools across KZN, including Kyran Taylor, Jenna Van Eyssen, Grace Mcilroy and Damien Butt from the International School of Performing Arts.

Don't miss this modern-day holiday classic! Tickets can be purchased through Webtickets. Elf: The Musical JR runs from December 16th to 29th at the Durban International Convention Centre.

 

MY RADIO MEMORY: REVIEW

My Radio Memory: Review - (Listening to the Listener)

Edited by Robin Sewlal

The most important thing any potential reader of this compilation should bear in mind is the subtitle – Listening to the Listener. Long-time radio man, Robin Sewlal, has put together 100 reminiscences from various authors, academics and personalities, all giving freely of their thoughts on their radio experiences, whether they were actively involved in the genre, or as fans of the music, plays and discussions to be heard on radio.

I would have preferred more radio personalities talking about their experiences with well-known characters/household names and the part they played in making radio what it was (or still is), but that’s just my personal preference. Unfortunately, when so many of the contributors were listeners recounting the programmes they used to tune into, some of the reminiscences tend to meld into others as the subject matter can be pretty similar.

Be that as it may, the compilation is certainly interesting, and a memory jogger as so many programme titles, actors, presenters and DJs, along with all the songs mentioned, pop up to jog the memory, bringing up an era when radio was the only media genre available to the potential millions of listeners.

The compilation was conceived by Robin Sewlal to mark the 100th anniversary of radio in South Africa.

“There is a mesmeric charm about radio. The personalised, friendly style, the hallmark of the medium, is something quite special. My Radio Memory is a labour of love and project of passion. I was keen on a legacy book encapsulating stories from the key radio stake-holder: the listener.” - Robin Sewlal

“Wonderful to see my old-time stomping ground, Springbok Radio, punctuating numerous pages of the book that ought to find its way into homes, libraries and other institutions here and abroad. It sure is a must-have collection that extols the wide-ranging virtues of radio.” – From the Foreword by David Gresham.

 

Published by Radiocracy, Durban North, South Africa

ISBN 978-0-7961-7923-4

Copies can be ordered by emailing MyRadioMemory@radiocracy.co.za

The cost of R390.00 each includes delivery through Internet Express.

Proceeds from Book sales will go towards the Radiocracy Community Outreach Programme (RCOP) as well as the Quest for Literacy Initiative. – Barry Meehan

PUSS IN BOOTS: REVIEW

 

(Pics by Val Adamson)

(Above: Mother Merry Marzipan accompanied by dancers Simone Mann & Sarah Tyrrell)

 If you want a sure lift from all of today’s troubles and frustrations, then head on up to the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre to see the wonderful, uplifting pantomime Puss in Boots.

Presented in their usual highly professional fashion, this is a KickstArt production – need I say more?

Steven Stead is currently in Cape Town directing My Fair Lady, so directing the production in his place is Darren King. Hugely colourful sets and backdrops create a magical display of images by Greg King. Settings change to different locations – the main site is “a mystical, magical Caribbean island,” – to quote Stead: “This tale usually unfolds in Spain or France but we have decided to set our adventure on a mystical, magical Caribbean island, which allows for a riot of colour, a Latin flavour and a polyglot of accents and cultures.”

(Right: Belinda Henwood plays Calypso Honeybunch)

Sound design is by Stephanie Pais. 

Shanthi Naidoo is the costumier. The outfits are a riot of colour, especially those worn by Belinda Henwood who is a strong artist playing the role of the immortal Calypso Honeybunch. 

Blessing Xaba’s outfits are also a sight to see.

King Magnum is played by Mthokozisi Zulu. Despite his lack of height, he manages to give the appearance of royalty.

His daughter, Princess Miranda is played by the attractive Roshanda Lewis who is looking for a hero. Kirsty Ndawo is delightful as Selina Swiftclaw, Lord Grimsby’s cat.

The actor who always takes my notice is Blessing Xaba playing Mother Merry Marzipan (see pic above).

I have watched this actor’s progress for a good few years and never cease to be impressed by his energy and acting ability. Mother runs the bakery and Tom Marzipan played by William Young is her son – a good performance full of sincerity. 

(Left: Lyle Buxton in super hero pose)

Her other son is Tristram played by Lyle Buxton who affects a super hero with all the power imagery poses of command.

A further star is Bryan Hiles clad in black with huge ears – he is Grimsby Withergood, an evil, shape-shifting goblin wizard, posturing attitudes, a part he relishes!

Star of the show is undeniably Rory Booth who is the feline hero called Tiddles. Booth handles this part with panache – good at acting, singing and movement. His height gives him a costume advantage and some of his headgear gives him at least another metre!

(Above: Rory Booth with Simone Mann & Sarah Tyrrell)

The audience was packed for the performance I saw – people of all ages – who responded with delight to the cast’s requests and I’m sure that most of the youngsters would have jumped onto the stage to be part of the magic, if they had had a chance.

 Musical supervision is by Shelley MacLean with choreography by Simone Mann who dances in the show with Sarah Tyrrell. Tina le Roux has created the lighting design.

 Well done, KickstArt, for creating another magical pantomime!

If you want to see the show, I would strongly suggest that you book your tickets right now – through Webtickets.

It will run at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal from December 5 to January 12. Performances are 14h30 on weekdays and Sundays, 11h00 and15h30 on Saturdays. – Caroline Smart

 

MUSIC REVIVAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT

 

Musical Revival’s last offerings include a special Christmas Concert at Coffeeberry Avenues in Hilton, the last of the Chopin concerts at its new Salt Rock venue, and a POP UP Restaurant evening at Duigan’s home, Casa Mexicana.

 

Christmas Opera at the Avenues

Pietermaritzburg-born soprano, Bongiwe Madlala, will be joined by her husband Papiki Musa (tenor) and international concert pianist, Christopher Duigan, for Christmas Opera at the Avenues at the Coffeeberry Avenues, Hilton on Thursday December 19, 2024, at 18h00. This delightful musical treat, with opportunity to enjoy a delicious dinner, is an evening not to be missed!

Music lovers can look forward to an entertaining performance by star soprano, Bongiwe Madlala, singing Italian operatic arias from La Bohème, La Traviata and La Wally, complemented by classical and traditional songs and seasonal music; O Holy Night. The Holy City, Panis Angelicus,  Silent Night and other carols. 

Christmas Opera at the Avenues, Coffeeberry, Avenues Hilton

Thursday December 19, 2024, at 18h00

Coffeeberry Hilton Avenues, Cnr Hilton College Road &, Elizabeth Dr, Hilton.

Cover for the concert is R195. Booking is essential as space is limited.

Full menu available from 18h00. Performance starts 20h00

Booking: info@coffeeberry.co.za to reserve your table.

 

 

GROWING INVESTMENT TREND: PASSION INVESTMENTS

 An interesting investment trend that has been steadily gaining traction in South Africa over the last four years: It’s the rise of passion investments. What are passion investments you may ask, one such example (although we have many others, too) is the rise of bespoke luxury handbags as high-yield alternative assets, with some now commanding prices exceeding R1 million in South Africa.

Recent market analyses highlight that certain iconic luxury handbags, such as those from Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, have consistently outperformed traditional investment vehicles like stocks and gold in terms of value appreciation.

 

For instance:

Stable Value Growth: A study by Knight Frank's Wealth Report found that collectible handbags saw an average value increase of 17% between 2022 and 2024, showcasing resilience even amidst economic volatility.

Scarcity and Exclusivity: Limited production and long waitlists for sought-after designs (e.g., the Hermès Birkin) create natural scarcity, driving up their long-term value.

Cultural Significance: These items often transcend their utility, representing art, heritage, and status—factors that underpin enduring demand among collectors and investors alike.

 

In South Africa, this trend is especially intriguing as affluent investors seek diversification in an uncertain economic climate. The luxury market's robust performance also speaks to the global appeal and liquidity of such assets.

This unique intersection of fashion, finance, and culture presents a timely and engaging angle for readers that is not often spoken about. I’d be delighted to provide further insights, and help facilitate an interview with industry expert, Marelize van Zyl , CEO of Aspire Art who specialises in passion investments. Marelize has also recently added classic, luxury vehicles to her art portfolio and can speak to the investment opportunity and stats around such pieces.

Aspire Art has partnered with WH Auctioneers and Rosso Sport Auto to launch Aspire Collectable Cars, and Jake Gore, who is on the Board of Directors at the Gore Foundation is also available to speak to why they have chosen to partner with such a unique, artistic investment opportunity.  

Aspire’s inaugural rare collectable car auction, held in November, made history with a unique collection of rare vehicles including Ferrari, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz.

Marelize van Zyl, CEO of Aspire Art, explains that the launch of Aspire Collectable Cars meets the growing demand for high-quality and significant vehicles, filling a significant gap in South Africa’s local market. She also shares the synergy between rare cars and fine art as complementary passion investments. Jake Gore, board member and car collector, reveals insights into standout finds like a 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster, untouched for decades, and the appeal of original, rare components.

For more information, visit: www.aspireart.net