THE LITTLE MERMAID JR: REVIEW

 

(Above: Prince Eric (Matthew Brown, ISPA) choses Ariel (Chloe Marot, St Mary’s DSG) to be his bride, much to the chagrin of the other princesses!)

(Pics by Val Adamson)

 

The Little Mermaid Jr is a gentle, delightful musical fantasy, just perfect for all ages to enjoy! (Review by Shannon Kenny)

 

 Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr by The Young Performers’ Project - The Milkwood Theatre @ Danville

The Young Performers’ Project production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr delighted the audience at Durban’s Milkwood Theatre audience in a dazzling flourish of joyous music, great acting, colourful costumes, wigs, bubbles, exuberant dancing and a generosity of spirit.

Our story opens with Prince Eric (Matthew Brown) who is enthralled by a beautiful, mysterious voice he hears while on the high seas. That mellifluous voice is property of Ariel (Chloe Marot), the titular Little Mermaid, and daughter to King Triton (Daniel Mayiza). Ariel dreams about a life on land with the humans and their human stuff. Concerned about his daughter’s waywardness, Triton appoints his Musical Director, Sebastian the crab (Khethukhuthula - Thula - Ngcobo), as Ariel’s chaperone.

What follows is a colourful, jaunty adventure replete with musical ear-worms that will have you humming for days; all performed with such joy and verve by a cast comprised of senior primary, high school and performing arts academy students, put through their paces and mentored by seasoned professionals Daisy Spencer (Director), Des Govender (Musical Director & Production Manager) and Evashnee Pillay (Choreographer).

Chloe Marot’s Ariel, with her curiosity, dreams and desire for independence, is played with a gentle determination. She positively sparkles in the show-stopping Part of Your World, that had the audience gasping and applauding in equal measure.

Azania Mavimbela’s Flounder is the perfect bestie, all spunk and spark, a pocket rocket with the moves and voice to match.

Kaitlyn Rex’s Scuttle, fount of all knowledge on things human and monarch of malapropism, is played with a streetwise spring in her step and glint in her eye that has you convinced a dingle-hopper truly is the wondrous thing Scuttle says it is. Every “awk” is perfectly placed; every stride exudes the confidence of someone who knows stuff and is perfectly comfortable on stage. Rex’s comic timing is just so good and she leads her flock of seagulls in the utterly charming Human Stuff.

(Right: The seagulls keeping an eye on all goings on)

Marot, Mavimbela and Rex are triple-threat talents to watch.

Thula Ngcobo is perfectly cast as Sebastian the crab. Ngcobo is a generous and gifted performer, who packages every ounce of energy, skill and talent into a role that is physically and technically demanding; that requires just the right balance of sensitivity and mischief - in a Caribbean accent. Thula, like a consummate professional, delivers in spades. His dramatic, musical and choreographic skill are a feast.

Matthew Brown as the dashing Prince Eric is just charming, especially in the number One Step Closer and in the moonlight Kiss the Girl scene. And you really do believe him when he instructs Grimsby (Nate Nefdt) to cancel the search because he has found true love.

Any good story about the joy of friendship, intergenerational conflict, choices good and bad and love triumphing over all, would not be complete without a dash of peril and some villains in the mix.

Enter sub-marine baddy-in-chief, Ursula the Sea Witch (Ntsako Mngoma), and her electric eel henchmen, Flotsam (Nzuzo Buthelezi) and Jetsam (Onke Gumede).

Mngoma makes for a fabulously diabolical Ursula, with a delicious performance of Poor Unfortunate Souls - sarcasm dripping off every well-rounded phrase delivered by her powerful and versatile voice. Obsequious ne’er-do-wells Flotsam and Jetsam had the audience in stitches with their oh-so-well-timed synchronous, sibilant utterances, devious glances, and undulating movement, which Buthelezi and Gumede execute to wonderful comic effect.

There are some really lovely moments - little vignettes that are beautifully played - with Chloe Marot and Esihle Gobozi who plays a sweetly maternal Carlotta, palace house-keeper and Ariel’s ally at court. Daniel Mayiza’s King Triton bidding farewell to his daughter drew aah’s from the audience.

(Left: King Triton (Daniel Mayiza, ISPA) listens to a tall story from Sebastian the crab, (Khethukuthula Ngcobo).)

Stand-out musical pieces include the Mersisters’ harmonious Daughters of Triton; Flounder and the Mersisters’ rendition of She’s in Love a doo-wop number delivered with oodles of sass and fun; the boisterously comic Le Poisson featuring the senior ensemble and Clive Ngcobo as Chef Louis, Sebastian’s nemesis; and of course the full company in Under the Sea, that burst into the auditorium in a wash of colourful lights, costumes and bubbles!

The junior ensemble ably supports the main cast, filling the stage with their delightful voices and colourful characters as sailors, jelly-fish, water, coral and sparkly fish.

The costumes are designed and made by Kathryn Singery, a talent whose creations deliver the goods every time. My personal favourites are Ursula’s tentacled suit, Sebastian’s spangly red shell, Flounder’s blue and yellow onesie (and hair) and Aquata’s purple sequinned mer-suit and curly wig.

Live theatre is dangerous precisely because it is live and anything can happen. On the night I attended, the cast had to contend with a technical hitch - which they handled with the aplomb of a professional company.

The digital backdrop and mobile set pieces are just the accompaniment this production needed, bringing to full view the high seas, Triton’s court, Ariel’s grotto and Ursula’s lair.

Nicolene Steyn, Anthony Govender and Evan Le Roux respectively provided set design, sound design and lighting design to complete the magic.

Successfully mounting a large-scale theatre production - 52 cast - is a monumental feat. Doing so while juggling professional, school and college schedules; creating a seemingly endless array of costumes, building a set and getting the music and moves ‘just right’ is akin to building a Jenga tower. Hats off to every performer, and production team member. Your level of discipline, dedication and commitment is commendable. Daisy Spencer’s direction, Des Govender’s musical direction and Evashnee Pillay’s choreography deserve every applause!

The Little Mermaid Jr is a gentle, delightful musical fantasy, just perfect for all ages to enjoy! Plenty of laughs, a dash of pathos and just enough tension and suspense to thrill without overwhelming the littlies. I just loved the sound of children of various ages cheering for the goodies and singing along to the music. Do yourselves a favour - take the whole family. You’ll be ever so glad you did!

The Little Mermaid Jr runs at the Milkwood Theatre, Danville until April 12, Booking is through Webtickets. – Shannon Kenny

MITH LINEUP APRIL 8, 2026

 

(Right: Jason & Scott Hartman)

 

Where else can you meet with friends and enjoy top South African music in a beautiful setting, with roaring fires, hearty food and a cash bar – all for just R50?

Visit Music in the Hills (MTH) regular concert programmes taking place at the Knoll Historic Guest Farm.

Entrance: R50 (cash or Zapper at the door)

 

20h40 – Jason & Scott Hartman

Jason Hartman and his brother Scott have been setting KZN alight, having reunited for their long-anticipated homecoming tour. Known for their seamless harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and unmistakable chemistry, the Hartmans bring a performance that’s both intimate and powerful. Jason, a household name since his SA Idols victory, has built a respected solo career, but it’s the reunion with family that makes this moment so special. Expect beloved hits, new songs, and stories from their shared journey in a celebration of family, legacy, and the enduring pull of music.

 

19h40 – Roly Struckmeyer

Having been a fixture on the music scene in KwaZulu-Natal since the late 80s, Pietermaritzburg-born acoustic guitarist and vocalist Roly Struckmeyer started playing the guitar at age seven. His music career began when he returned from England in 1989 to form a band known as House On The Hill. During his career as a performer, Roly has toured and performed with names such as Wonderboom and Landscape Prayers. He has also featured at Splashy Fen. Roly worked with Syd Kitchen in the early 2000s, and with Perez from 2001. He did a solo album in 2007, and has spent the decade and more in cover bands – No Fly Zone, A-frame and more recently, Rustic Spring. Roly is excited to still be playing and creating music, and to be back at MiTH.

 

19h00 – Ross Williams

Hailing from Howick, Ross Williams draws inspiration from folk, country, indie and alternative music. He enjoys playing guitar, singing, and sharing short cover clips on social media. While music competes with other commitments, it remains a vital creative outlet, and Ross continues to challenge himself and grow whenever the opportunity arises.

 

Join the KZN Midlands Live Shows WhatsApp Group for updates on live shows across the Midlands: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IBdaSGVPA5oLbedRwPoFn9

Food and cash bar available on site. The KZN Midlands’ favourite live music venue, MiTH is a platform for beginners, professionals and music lovers to celebrate the joy of live performance. Hosted every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Hilton.

 

Directions to MiTH

Take the N3 to Hilton. Turn into Hilton Village and drive 5.2 km along Hilton Avenue, which becomes Dennis Shepstone Drive. Look for Knoll Drive on your right – the entrance to MiTH is the second left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm. Info: 082 331 7271, www.mith.co.za or mithbookings@gmail.com

 

JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH

(Right: Leon Scharnick)

The UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music celebrates the centenary anniversaries of Miles Davis and John Coltrane in celebration of Jazz Appreciation month.

 2026 provides opportunity to celebrate the centenary occasions of two of jazz’s great icons, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. The theme therefore of the Centre’s Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) celebration in April is Miles and Trane @100: the impact of Miles Davis and John Coltrane on SA jazz and culture. Consequently, the regular Wednesday night concert program at CJPM will pay homage to these two jazz giants with a sequence of four themed concerts in April:

(Linda Sikhakane. Pic by Malwandla Rikhotso)

April 8: Two tenors for Trane

Master saxophonists and Trane devotees, Linda Sikhakane and Leon Scharnick lead off a stellar rhythm section in celebration of John Coltrane.

https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1591084587

 

Event Details: Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Doors Open: 17h00. Music starts at 17h30

Venue: Centre for Jazz and Popular Music

University of KwaZulu-Natal – Howard College Campus, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2

 

https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1591630666

Tickets (cash at door) R130 (R100 pensioners & R70 students)

2026 STANDARD BANK YOUNG ARTISTS

 

The National Arts Festival and its partner, Standard Bank, have announced the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artists.

The award is one of South Africa's most significant platforms for creative excellence, bringing debut works to the National Arts Festival from the cutting edge of our culture. It's a moment that has consistently marked turning points in artists' careers and shaped the trajectory of disciplines over decades.

This year's cohort are redefining their art forms. They move fluidly between experimental practice and popular culture, connecting local histories to global stages.

They are artists already recognised by their peers, shaping how creative work is made and experienced in South Africa.

The award offers both national recognition and critical momentum at a pivotal moment in their careers and we’re ready for what happens next.

See them in Makhanda between June 25 and July 5.

 

Meet the new Standard Bank Young Artists (pics supplied). 

Bronwyn Katz: 

(Bronwyn Katz -  Visual Art)

Creating sculptural and installation works that explore language, memory and land through a deeply personal and speculative lens, Bronwyn Katz is the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Visual Arts. At the heart of her practice is an imagined creole language—an evolving system of notation that translates gesture, sound and embodied knowledge into material form.

Drawing on fragmentary histories and oral traditions, Katz treats land as a living archive—one that holds memory, trauma and presence. Her works use line, texture, rhythm and weight as tools of meaning, proposing alternative ways of recording and transmitting knowledge beyond written language. 

Based in Cape Town, Katz has exhibited widely both locally and internationally, contributing to a vital reimagining of what constitutes the South African archive today. Katz has participated in major international group exhibitions including the 59th Venice Biennale (2022), the New Museum Triennial (2021), the Biennale of Sydney (2020), and the Biennale of Lyon (2019). She is a founding member of iQhiya, an eleven-woman artist collective that has performed at institutions including Documenta 14.

  

Gabi Motuba

(Gabi Motuba – Jazz)

Gabi Motuba, the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz, is a Mamelodi-born, Johannesburg-based vocalist, composer and educator at the Wits School of Arts. Her practice is grounded in deep listening, intellectual inquiry and a profound commitment to sound as both discipline and calling.

 Working across jazz, avant-garde and experimental forms, Motuba creates music that engages history, philosophy and spirituality. From her debut Tefiti – Goddess of Creation (2018) to the politically charged The Wretched (2020), her work positions sound as a space for reflection and resistance. Her latest album, The Sabbath (2024), expands her compositional voice through a richly-layered ensemble, blending classical, jazz and global influences into a meditative and immersive sonic experience.

Alongside her performance practice, Motuba composes for film, arranges music and mentors emerging artists. Widely respected for her musicality and conceptual depth, she continues to shape a thoughtful and expansive approach to jazz in South Africa and beyond.

 

 Jason Jacobs 

(Jason Jacobs – Theatre)

The 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre, Jason Jacobs, is an indigenous artist from Kharkams, Namaqualand. A storyteller, he integrates his cultural heritage into contemporary narratives, exploring themes of identity, history and community.

His second feature film (co-directed with Devon Delmar), Variations on a Theme, won the Tiger Award at the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam and Best African Film at the 2026 Joburg Film Festival. Additionally, his collective, KRAAL, received the SAFTA for Outstanding Provincial Contributor in 2026. His first short film, Nama Swaan, debuted at the kykNet Silwerskermfees, while the multi-nominated feature Carissa (NAAAP Productions) debuted at the Venice International Film Festival.

In theatre, Jacobs' trilogy of works earned him the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival New Voices award, following the 2016 Theatre Arts Emerging Director award and a Fleur du Cap nomination. He co-translated Rehane Abrahams' multi-award-winning Womb of Fire into Brandbaar, and created the performance piece Maroon with Javier Perez. He wrote, directed, and starred in Kraal at the Black2Normal Festival in Denmark.

Jacobs pursued his master's as a scholar under the Mellon Foundation-funded Reimagining Tragedy in Africa and the Global South project. His practice remains rooted in the performing arts, healing practices, and community development.

  

Lee-ché Janeke 

(Lee-ché Janecke – Dance)

Lee-ché Janecke, known professionally as Litchi HOV, is a Cape Town-born choreographer, creative director and cultural innovator shaping the future of global dance. The recipient of the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Dance, he has spent over 13 years developing a movement language that is both ancestral and futuristic - rooted in South African rhythm while resonating on international stages.

Globally recognised for his distinctive choreographic voice, Litchi reimagines pop culture through an African lens, transforming trends into a refined and unmistakable signature style. As the creative force behind Grammy Award-winning artist Tyla, he helped propel Water into a worldwide dance phenomenon and earned a 2025 MTV VMA nomination for Best Choreography for Push 2 Start.

From early beginnings on So You Think You Can Dance South Africa and Step Up or Step Out to choreographing for Idols SA, he has continuously shaped a bold creative philosophy that merges indigenous rhythms with contemporary form. Now expanding his impact globally, Litchi HOV leads a dynamic choreography and creative tour, delivering masterclasses, workshops and large-scale productions that turn every space into a site of cultural exchange – recalibrating the pulse of pop culture.

 

Ndumiso Manana

(Ndumiso Manana – Music)

Ndumiso Manana, the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Music, is a multi-faceted singer-songwriter and producer from eSwatini whose journey began in 2020 with his debut album In The Beginning Was The End. Subsequent releases - the album But Could The Moments In Between and EP COMMA - blend electronic dance music, soulful R&B, Afrobeats, Amapiano fusion, and poignant acoustic ballads. His 2024 release, Our Broken Hearts Mend, completes his trilogy of musical and poetic exploration to date.

A Bachelor of Music (BMus) in Jazz graduate from UCT with a rich choral background from the Drakensberg Boys Choir, Manana's ability to blend sound and silence with innovation and intimacy has become his hallmark. His contribution as songwriter to Burna Boy's Grammy-winning Twice As Tall reflects his influence in the global music scene. He has collaborated with Usher, Pheelz, Nasty C, Sauti Sol, Tyla, Amanda Black, Ami Faku, Shekinah, and Cynthia Erivo.

The industry has taken note. His debut EP received a nomination for Best Produced Album at the 2020 South African Music Awards. In 2023, he won the SAMA for Best R&B/Soul Album for But Could The Moments in Between, and in 2024, he was selected for Spotify Radar.

 

The festival organisers say: “We’re preparing an exciting, multi-faceted programme for 2026 and we’re looking forward to sharing it with you on the 12th May!”

ROCK GUITAR LEGENDS

 

Rhumbelow Theatre will present Rock Guitar Legends featuring The Reals - Barry Thomson, Dawn Selby, Mali Sewell and Robz Millar on the following venues, dates and times:

 

Rhumbelow Durban

SATURDAY, April 11, 2026. Show starts at 19h30 – Durban

SUNDAY, April 12, 2026. Show starts at 14h00 – Durban

 

Northlands Bowling Club

SATURDAY, April 18, 2026. Show starts at 19h30 – Northlands Bowling Club

 

(Venues open 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks) 

Rock Guitar Legends pays tribute to some of the greatest guitar players of all time with the focus on the classic rock guitarists of the 60s, 70s, and 80s eras. The show features a variety of guitar styles ranging from Hank Marvin to Jimi Hendrix. Also highlighted are the distinctive playing styles and sounds of Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) and Slash (Guns ‘n Roses).

Leading the team of top Durban musicians is maestro Barry Thomson on guitar and vocals, Musical Director Dawn Selby on keyboards and vocals, Mali Sewell on drums and Robz Millar on bass guitar. The Reals will take you on a journey full of hit songs, nostalgia, fun, and top class playing. Also featured are David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Santana, Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple) and the soulful Gary Moore.

If you’re a classic rock fan, then this is the show for you!

Tickets R220 (R200 pensioners, R180 under 13 and R180 Northlands Bowling Club Members.)

Booking is essential on email: roland@stansell.co.za or Webtickets. Bar available (no alcohol may be brought onto the premises)

Bring food picnic baskets (Northlands & Durban) - or buy at the venue (Durban ONLY).

Limited secure parking available.

For more information contact 0824998636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/

 

Rhumbelow Theatre is located at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road in Durban and Northlands Bowling Club is located at 50 Margaret Maytom Avenue, Durban North.

PANDEMONIUM IN PARADISE

 

A mystery wrapped in comedy, served with a side of retirement home rebellion.

This April, Westville Theatre Club brings audiences a production that proves life in a retirement home is anything but quiet. Written and directed by local talent Melanie Visser, Pandemonium in Paradise is a community-driven comedy mystery that sees a group of sharp-witted retirees take on a world that continues to underestimate them.

Life at Paradise Pastures Retirement Home is turned upside down when a big-shot developer arrives, offering tempting promises to all its residents. Things quickly begin to fall apart, and it soon becomes clear that everything is not as it seems.  As suspicion grows, the retirees begin to uncover a web of intrigue, sparking a chain of events that quickly descends into chaos.

Expect sharp dialogue, unexpected twists, and a good-old dose of mischief and rebellion.

It’s the perfect outing for friends and family to enjoy an afternoon or evening of laughter. Don’t forget to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy at your table.

Catch Pandemonium in Paradise over two weekends:  

April 10–12 and 17–19, 2026.

Evening performances (Fridays and Saturdays) begin at 19h00, with doors opening at 18h30. Matinees (Saturdays and Sundays) start at 14h30, with doors opening at 14h00.

 

Tickets are R120 for general admission and R100 for members, pensioners and students.

To book, email dorothyannoneill@gmail.com or contact 083 776 1754.

 

COOL OAKS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026

 

(Above: Hartman brothers - Jason and Scott)

Escape to Music and Magic at the Cool Oaks Music Festival 2026

Music lovers are invited to shake off the winter chill and immerse themselves in an unforgettable weekend of live music, connection, and countryside charm at the Cool Oaks Music Festival, taking place on June 26 and 27, 2026, at The Oaks Hotel in the scenic Byrne Valley, Richmond, KZN.

Presented in association with Music in The Hills (MiTH), the festival brings together some of KwaZulu-Natal’s top musicians alongside the vibrant extended musical family of the KZN Midlands. Audiences can expect a rich blend of folk, rock, and acoustic performances in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that celebrates authentic music and community spirit.

 

(Left: Rusty Red)

The 2026 line-up features an exciting array of artists, including Idols winner Jason Hartman, Rusty Red, Rob Warren (from Black Lapels), 3 Daughters-3 Dads, The Chickpeas, MMM Band, Blackbird, Grace & Tanya, Brian Bedingfield & Friends, Bowstring, Bruere Venter, as well as an Open Mic stage and additional performers to be announced.

 

Designed as a family-friendly experience, the festival offers something for everyone. Attendees can enjoy free camping or opt for comfortable 3-star hotel accommodation at just R500 per person per night sharing. The music programme spans Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday night, all hosted in a dedicated music tent.

(Right: Rob Warren)

Beyond the music, guests can explore a variety of outdoor and leisure activities, including mountain biking, hiking, putt-putt, horse riding, and even a refreshing “polar bear” swim in the hotel pool. Evenings promise magical moments under the stars, accompanied by exceptional live performances.

 

Ticket Information:

Weekend Pass: R500 (Under 13: half price)

Saturday Pass: R300 (Under 13: half price)

Please note that no outside alcohol is permitted, as the venue is fully licensed with food and beverages available for purchase. Campers are welcome to bring their own food.

Whether you’re seeking great music, fresh Midlands air, or a relaxed winter escape, the Cool Oaks Acoustic Festival offers the perfect weekend getaway. Produced by Charles Webster Music.

 

Bookings & Enquiries:

Email: info@oaksatbyrne.co.za

Phone: 082 554 1702

 

More Information:

www.oaksatbyrne.co.za

www.charleswebstermusic.co.za

www.mith.co.za

 

DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID JR

(Pictured by Shelley Kjonstad at uShaka Marine World are:

Ariel, a mermaid - Chloe Marot (St. Mary’s DSG); Sebastian, a crab - Khethukuthula Ngcobo (International School of Performing Arts) and Flounder, a tropical fish - Azania Mavimbela (Crawford North Coast).)

 

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr to be staged by The Young Performers’ Project at Milkwood Theatre, Danville from April 2 to 12, 2026.

Countdown to Easter holidays!!!

Fishy Fable: Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s beloved fairy tale, and based on the classic animated Disney movie, The Little Mermaid Jr stage musical is The Young Performer’s Project’s first show of 2026, coming to The Milkwood Theatre in Durban North over the Easter holidays from April 2 – 12 featuring a cast of 50 young performers all getting valuable experience understanding what it is like to be part of a “professional” production.

YPP is Durban’s longest-running youth creative arts empowerment project, and every season opens with a performance (this time on April 2) designed for special needs, autistic and children and adults with sensory issues. (Tickets Webtickets).

The cast spent a morning observing sea-life at uShaka Marine World, Durban’s foremost marine theme park, which is also gearing itself up for a busy Easter holiday. 

RIAAD MOOSA: BRAND-NEW COMEDY EXPERIENCE

 

Award-winning comedian, presenter, writer, and actor Dr Riaad Moosa is back on stage with a brand-new comedy experience. He will appear at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from April 7 to April 12, 2026.

The Best Medicine Comedy Show is a feel-good comedy showcase that brings together some of South Africa’s most loved comedic talents alongside exciting new voices on the scene. The result? A dynamic, high-energy night of laughter that feels fresh, relatable, and full of heart.

True to its name, the show offers audiences a “prescription” for their funny bone — blending Dr Moosa’s signature humour with off-the-cuff moments, real-life stories, and the kind of comedy that connects across generations. Expect sharp observations, unexpected punchlines, and a warm, uplifting atmosphere where established comedy meets rising stars in one perfectly-balanced dose.

Known for his unique ability to mix humour with humanity, Dr Riaad Moosa once again proves why he remains one of the country’s most respected and versatile entertainers. The Best Medicine isn’t just a comedy show — it’s an experience designed to leave audiences lighter, happier, and laughing long after the curtain falls.

Audiences are encouraged to book early for what promises to be a standout comedy event on Durban’s entertainment calendar.

Because sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine.

Performances take place from April 7 to 11 at 19h30 and on April 12 at 16h00.

Price: R250pp

Age Restriction: No Under 16's (language)

Tickets available through Webtickets at Pick 'n Pay outlets, or online at https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1586822921

DEY & RUNGAN PREVIEW LAUNCH OF AFRICAN BREYANI

 

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music presents award-winning South African vocalist, songwriter, and educator Natalie Rungan, performing music from her latest album, African Breyani. The performance will take place on April 1, 2026, at 17h30.

 A Durban-born artist with a career spanning over two decades, Rungan has earned recognition locally and internationally, including Best Jazz Vocalist at the Old Mutual National Jazz Encounters (2002) and a PhD in Music from Rhodes University in 2023. She has released eight albums and performed across Africa, Europe, and the United States.

African Breyani, created with Ghanaian pianist and composer Victor Dey Jr., blends South and West African jazz influences. The project places African musical traditions at the centre of jazz, combining rich rhythms, melody, and storytelling into a contemporary, collaborative sound.

This live tour offers an intimate preview of the album, featuring Rungan and Dey alongside Shaun Johannes (bass) and Riley Giandhari (drums). Audiences can expect live performances of the first three singles, along with insights into the creative process behind the music.

Date: Wednesday, 1 April 2026

Doors open: 17h00 | Music starts: 17h30

Venue: Centre for Jazz and Popular Music - University of KwaZulu-Natal – Howard College Campus, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2

Tickets (cash at door): R130 (Pensioners: R100 & Students: R70)

IMBIZO AFRIKA LAUNCHES THE PLATFORM

 

Robby Collins headlines as Durban’s newest comedy stage opens its doors for the first time

DURBAN — IMBIZO AFRIKA, Durban’s experiential marketing and comedy event production company, proudly announces the debut of The Platform — a brand new monthly live comedy show launching on Sunday March 29, 2026, at the BAT Centre, 45 Maritime Place, Small Craft Harbour, Durban. Doors open at 18h00.

For a first show, IMBIZO AFRIKA has set the bar deliberately high.

Headlining the debut is Robby Collins — one of South Africa’s most celebrated stand-up comedians and a name that needs no introduction to anyone who has followed the country’s comedy scene. Collins brings national credibility and genuine star power to a stage that is only just finding its feet — and that combination says everything about what IMBIZO AFRIKA intends The Platform to become.

Joining him is a line-up that reflects the full, vibrant spectrum of Durban’s comedy talent.

Andrew Hughes brings his signature observational wit to the stage – a comedian who finds the absurd in the everyday and makes an audience feel like he has been reading their diary.

Daryl Williams delivers the kind of comedy that builds slowly and lands hard — a performer who understands timing the way a musician understands rhythm.

Holding the night together as host is Annie Botha — a natural on stage, sharp between acts and the kind of presence that makes a room feel like a room rather than an audience waiting for the next thing.

In a moment that signals just how seriously the Durban comedy community is taking this new platform, Prince K — Durban’s newest Comics Choice Award nominee — will make a special appearance on the night. His presence is not just a performance. It is an endorsement.

Rounding out an already remarkable evening is a musical guest appearance by Roshanda Lewis — bringing soul, warmth and a reminder that the best nights out are never just one thing.

“We want the debut of The Platform to tell Durban exactly who we are and what we are here to do,” said IMBIZO AFRIKA founder Arthur Charles Van Wyk. “We believe the best things in life come from people coming together. This line-up — Robby, Andrew, Daryl, Annie, Prince K, Roshanda — is our way of saying Durban deserves a stage this good. And we are just getting started.”

The Platform will be held on the last Sunday of every month at the BAT Centre. March 29 is just the beginning.

For more information contact Arthur Charles Van Wyk, Founder, Imbizo Afrika, on 083 539 0655.

 

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF BALLET PERFORMANCE AWARDS IN HILTON

 

(Robin van Wyk puts aspirant ballet competition dancers through their paces at a previous South African Performance Awards Competition in Gauteng. Pic by Lauge Sorensen)

 

Ballet fans – plan a drive to Hilton this weekend as Hilton College Theatre has the huge honour of hosting the South African Performance Awards Competition on behalf of the American Academy of Ballet (AAB), a New York-based global ballet organisation that coordinates and hosts auditions and Performance Awards events all over the world – which comes to the Hilton College Theatre for the first time on Saturday March 28 from 13h00.

The public is invited to watch a thrilling high-stakes afternoon of top aspiring ballet dancers showcasing their skills in a competition format.  

There are two sessions – one for junior and one for senior dancers. Both sessions start with class taken by Karen Beukes, former Artistic Director of Joburg Ballet AD, followed by a carefully-curated competition format dance showcase. Approximately 20 dancers will be participating. Many from KZN but also from further afield.

Dancers will perform choreographed routines before judges as a means of boosting their technique, artistry, and confidence, and has proven to be an extraordinary way to inspire, train and motivate dancers to improve while truly enjoying ballet.

The AAB Performance Awards Competition is open to all ballet teachers and their students. The dancer and teacher may decide the most appropriate level for entry and each dancer must perform the solo variation for the level they select. The judge for the day is Knysna-based Sidwell Roman, supported by Iain Macdonald, who represents AAB in South Africa, and is former Artistic Director of Joburg Ballet.

There are cash prizes for the best dancers.

The American Academy of Ballet, located in New York, is an exceptional ballet company renowned for its top-notch ballet instruction. The American Academy of Ballet offers world-class dance training and performance opportunities. Its mission is to provide rigorous and inspiring ballet education to prepare students for professional careers. Long recognised as one of the premier ballet training institutions in the United States, the AAB is particularly renowned for its Summer School of Excellence taking place in July. Its international faculty boasts teachers drawn from prestigious ballet institutions such as the Paris Opera Ballet School, the Royal Ballet School in Antwerp, the New York City Ballet and from South Africa, Iain Macdonald.

Established by the visionary South African trailblazer in the world of ballet education, Mignon Furman, in the early 90s, the prestigious Performance Awards programme offers aspiring dancers from around the world the opportunity to refine their skills in a focused, supportive environment.

Laurence Kaplan, the son of Mignon Furman and the AAB Executive Director, says: “We invite dancers to be part of an international ballet event celebrated worldwide and to earn medals, certificates, and personalized feedback as well as experience the joy of performing in a supportive and inspiring atmosphere to build confidence, artistry, and lifelong memories.

“Every dancer deserves their moment — and in Hilton, that moment awaits. Join us for an afternoon that celebrates passion, progress, and performance — and maybe your journey will continue all the way to New York City! We look forward to a wonderful competition filled with talent, growth and inspiration.”

Junior and Seniors will be adjudicated on Saturday March 28 from 13h00, with registrations from noon. Tickets are R160 through Webtickets. Tickets are in the form of a day-pass allowing access to the auditorium throughout the day.

For enquiries/information contact: aaboffice@gmail.com or visit www.americanacademyofballet.com