COMEDY GAMES

 

Rhumbelow Theatre presents Comedy Games: Fast, Fearless Improv with Patrick Kenny and The ISPA Drama Students at Northlands Bowling Club and Rhumbelow Durban. 

Get ready for an unpredictable night of laughter as Patrick Kenny teams up with the talented drama students of the International School of Performing Arts (ISPA) to present Comedy Games - a high-energy improv comedy experience inspired by the hit show Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Quick-thinking, wildly creative, and completely unscripted, Comedy Games throws performers into a series of hilarious challenges where anything can happen. Using audience suggestions as the spark, the cast creates scenes, characters, songs, and stories on the spot - resulting in a one-of-a-kind performance that will never be repeated.

Led by Kenny, a master of improvisation and comedy, the show showcases the sharp wit, versatility, and fearless spontaneity of ISPA’s rising performers. From outrageous scenarios and absurd characters to clever wordplay and musical improvisation, each moment is packed with laughter and surprise.

The magic of Comedy Games lies in its immediacy — no scripts, no safety nets, just pure comedic instinct and collaboration. Audiences become part of the action, helping to shape the direction of the show and ensuring a uniquely interactive theatre experience.

Perfect for all ages, Comedy Games is a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the joy of live performance. Whether you're a fan of improv or simply looking for a fun, feel-good night out, this fast-paced comedy showcase promises non-stop entertainment and big laughs.

Tickets R180 (Northlands Bowling Club Members R160). Booking is essential on email: roland@stansell.co.za or Webtickets

Bring food picnic baskets (Northlands & Durban) or buy at the venue (Northlands & Durban). Bar available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises)

(Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

Limited secure parking available

 

Performances:

-April 24: Northlands Bowling Club at 19h30. 50 Margaret Maytom Avenue, Durban North

-May 2-3 Rhumbelow Theatre at 19h30 (Sat) and 14h00 (Sun): 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road, Durban

 

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

 

 

THE RETURN OF ELVIS DU PISANIE

 

(Ashley Dowds in Paul Slabolepszy’s iconic one-man show)

 

A Timeless Tale of Laughter and Loss.

The Return of Elvis du Pisanie - Paul Slabolepszy’s timeless tale of laughter and loss, performed by Ashley Dowds, comes to the Seabrookes Theatre at DHS for three shows only, on May 8, 9 and 10.

This masterfully-told story which moves from pure nostalgia through extreme heartache to unbridled joy, is vintage, classic Slabolepszy, given a new lease on life by Ashley Dowds in an exhilarating career-defining performance.

Who would believe that a simple act of switching on a car radio could change the course of your life? 49-year-old East Rand salesman, Eddie du Pisanie, is washed up, retrenched and suicidal. He decides life is no longer worth living and writes a farewell note to his wife, before planning to gas himself inside his car in the garage …. when he switches on the car radio.

The Elvis Presley song he hears does more than take him back 30 years – it recalls an event in his childhood that changed his life forever. Abandoning – for the moment – the idea of suicide, he drives the 200 km journey to Witbank, the town in which he grew up, and ends up opposite the ex-Carlton bioscope, alongside a streetlamp.

Tickets are through Webtickets.

 

Performance dates and times:

-Fri 8 May at 19h00

-Sat 9 May at 19h00

-Sun 10 May at 14h30.

Guarded parking and bar/snack service available at the Seabrooke’s Theatre at DHS in St Thomas Road in Musgrave..

 

GOD’S WORK AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS PRIZE

 

(Michael James with his award in Luxor - the Radwan El Kashef Prize for Best Film Addressing an African Issue. Pic supplied)

 

South African Film God’s Work awarded prestigious prize at Luxor African Film Festival

The South African feature film God’s Work, directed by Michael James and produced by Sithabile Mkhize was awarded the prestigious Radwan El Kashef Prize for Best Film Addressing an African Issue (Silver Mask of Tutankhamun) at The Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt last week.

Azza El Husseiny, Festival Director, says: “The Radwan El Kashef Prize for the Best Film addressing an African issue is not granted annually, but only when the High Committee decides that a particular film deserves this special honour, marking it as a distinction reserved for truly exceptional works that embody both artistic excellence and deep engagement with African realities.”

The prize is named after Egypt’s pioneering independent filmmaker Radwan El Kashef (1952–2002), and symbolizes cinema that elevates marginalized voices with empathy and poetic depth. The film was honoured for “its powerful artistic vision and its sincere exploration of African identity and collective struggle.”

The award was presented to the director, Michael James by Dr Hossam El-Mandouh El-Husseini, Egyptian Member of Parliament, in recognition of the enduring cultural ties between Egypt and Africa and the festival’s role as a platform for creative dialogue across the continent.

Reflecting on the honour, director Michael James said: “Receiving this award on behalf of the film, and all involved is deeply humbling. This award affirms the importance of telling African stories with honesty and empathy, and I hope God’s Work continues to contribute to the ongoing dialogue around affirming the humanity of the homeless community."

Sithabile Mkhize commented, “This award is especially important because it acknowledges one of the central intentions of the film, which is to use the power of cinema to build bridges across humanity."

Executive Producer Toni Monty says: “This recognition is a powerful validation of the collaborative effort behind God’s Work. It highlights the strength of African filmmaking and the importance of creating platforms where our stories can resonate globally. We are proud to see the film stand alongside works that embody both artistic excellence and social relevance.”

The film is supported by the Durban Film Office, KZN Tourism and Film, The National Film and Video Foundation, and co-produced with Amafrika Films and Mojo Entertainment.

 

MOTHER’S DAY AT GLENWOOD VILLAGE

First floor: Sat 9 May – 09h00 until 14h00

Glenwood Village is hosting a fun family-friendly pre-Mother’s Day morning on Saturday May 9, 2026, featuring a community market, an affordable arts fair, and mini pamper parlour for Mum.

To this end, Glenwood Village is hosting its monthly market this time with a Mother’s Day theme, on the upper gallery level of the centre, with great coffee, morning tea treats, vintage clothing and accessories, arts and crafts, hand-made soaps, and bath time indulgences, jewellery, farm fresh produce, healing crystals and cleaning products. The centre regulars pop ups will also be trading. Street lit books, leather belts, perfumes, beadwork and crafts. The market runs until 14h00.

To complement the Glenwood Village Market, there will be an Affordable Art Show where locally-made arts and craft will be on display. Customers are invited to support talented local artists and treat mum to a work of art. Alongside the art and market, will be a mini Pamper Parlour for Mums to enjoy a quickie neck and shoulder massage. Ilze Oosthuizen will be playing tunes on the piano.

Glenwood Village doesn’t charge for on-site parking, has guarded street and off-street parking and is easily accessible on public transport. The centre is corner Che Guevara and Hunt Roads, Glenwood, Durban. For more information, visit www.glenwoodvillagemarket.co.za

BAROQUE VERSAILLES SPLENDOUR

 

 (Above: The Palace of Versailles)

Baroque 2000’s next concert will take place on April 26 at 11h30, at St James Church - Venice Road in Durban.

 

 Programme:

André Campra - "Europe Galante" suite

Antonia Padoani Bembo - "O del Celtico scettro"

Leonora Duarte - Sinfonia No2

Jean Baptiste Lully - "Armide" suite

Marin Marais - "Ariane & Bacchus" suite

Jean Philippe Rameau - Overture & Storm

 

Tickets at the door @ R200. Children enter free.

There is ample, free and secure parking in Venice and Sir Arthur adjacent roads.

Contact: Michel. sursouth@iafrica.com 082 303 5241

 

 

MITH TEAM ON APRIL 22

Warm up your Autumn with some fabulous music at MiTH – the famous Music in The Hills. Just R50 for the perfect mix of music, food, friendship and a drink or two. This is one you really shouldn’t miss.

 

MiTH LINEUP April 22, 2026

Venue: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

Entrance: R50 (cash or Zapper at the door)

Info: 082 331 7271

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

 

20h40 – GU3

Fresh from an acoustic stage performance at the recent Splashy Fen, Pete Guthrie, frontman of Spoonfeedas and bassist/vocalist for Serrotone, takes the stage with GU3 (featuring vocalist Jo Ravell, Antonio Ravell on lead guitar and Billy Kruger on drums). Guthrie has opened international shows for the likes of Muse, Metallica, Velvet Revolver, and Ronan Keating, and has performed the SA National Anthem at major rugby events. With several chart-topping tracks under his belt, and a reputation for dynamic live energy, Guthrie and GU3 promise a powerful set blending rock roots with versatile vocal harmonies.

 

19h40 – Three Daughters, Three Dads & A Son

Also following a performance on the acoustic stage at Splashy Fen 2026, Three Daughters, Three Dads & a Son is a heartstring-tugging ensemble from the KZN Midlands that brings together three beloved father-daughter duos (and one son) to share music that has shaped their lives and families. Drawing on years of collaboration, deep familial harmonies, and wide-ranging musical influences, this set will feature a strong mix original folk-rock material (almost exclusively). The collective features Jes and Brian Bedingfield, Rhiannon and Vince Reid, and Rebecca and Charles Webster, with Michael Webster on drums. Expect a vibrant mix of genres, stories, and shared heritage that manifests the KZN Midlands’ music legacy through family and the sheer joy of making music together.

 

19h00 – Michael Hornsey

Having just launched his career on the River Stage at Splashy Fen, Michael John Hornsey is an up-and-coming alternative-folk songwriter. Blending evocative poetry with melodies that stir the soul, Michael knows how to move a song through a crowd. It’s a man and his guitar (and loop pedal) showcasing raw vocals and unveiling his soul through his songs. Influences include The Lumineers, The Gaslight Anthem and The Goo Goo Dolls. Don’t miss Michael’s MiTH debut.

 

ABOUT MiTH

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

JOSEPH CLARK: THE MUSIC OF QUEEN

 

(Above: Joseph Clark. Pic supplied)

 

Joseph Clark heads to Durban this May for three shows taking place from May 8 to 10 in the Playhouse Opera Theatre, Durban.

After two incredible shows in 2024 and by popular demand, Joseph returns to the Opera Theatre stage in Durban — his artistic home as ballet dancer, actor and singer and where his legendary status started with Queen at the Opera.

Joseph Clark continues to entertain and mesmerize audiences, keeping the spirit of Queen’s music alive for a whole new generation of Freddie Mercury fans.

This year’s concerts are featuring local choirs for some of Queen’s most iconic songs as well as soprano Lizzy Phisane for the unforgettable Barcelona!

Having performed Queen’s music for over three decades, Joseph and guitar virtuoso Axe Lourens boast an extensive song list, including hits like Somebody To Love, Another One Bites The Dust, Under Pressure, Made In Heaven and, of course, Bohemian Rhapsody.

To the delight of many diehard fans, the duo promises to rock the house with high-energy tracks like Dragon Attack, Headlong and Tie Your Mother Down.

Having performed Queen’s music for over three decades, Joseph Clark captivated audiences not only in South Africa but also in the Netherlands, with a highlight being The Queen Experience in a packed 30,000-seater Gelredome stadium, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, the Middle East, United States and African countries including Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi and more recently, Freddie Mercury’s birthplace, Zanzibar.

“Joseph’s the champion, my friend! He’s one of the few around the world who can do the mercurial, legendary Queen vocalist justice with panache, style and the glory that was Freddie Mercury in full roar.” — Daily News, Durban

Reflecting on his approach to the tribute, Clark stated: “I’m not a believer in impersonating great artists but giving an audience a taste of their music, as a humble tribute and compliment to their genius. I try to create an atmosphere of magic; nostalgia for some and a new discovery for others.”

Joseph Clark is an internationally-acclaimed vocalist, actor and former principal ballet dancer with a career spanning over four decades. Originally from Amarillo, Texas, Clark established his professional roots in South Africa, where he became the first performer to receive national theatre awards across three disciplines: acting, singing, and dancing.

Since 1990, he has been widely recognised for his definitive performances of Queen’s repertoire, including the landmark production Queen at the Opera. His career highlights include performing for Nelson Mandela's 85th Birthday Celebration and headlining The Queen Experience for 30,000 fans at the Gelredome stadium in the Netherlands. Beyond his tribute work, Clark has been a frequent soloist with South Africa’s major symphony orchestras, as well as the Noord Nederlands Orkest.

Lovers of Joseph Clark’s performances should not miss this powerful, once-off experience!

 

Dates & Times:

Friday: May 8 at 19h00

Saturday: May 9 at 15h00

Sunday: May 10 at 15h00

Venue: The Playhouse Opera Stage

Tickets: From R250

Bookings: Webtickets  (https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid91038447)

 

TAMIA TO TOUR SOUTH AFRICA

 

(Tamia, pic supplied)

 

A recent official press release announced the highly-anticipated return of Grammy-nominated R&B superstar Tamia to South Africa this August, where she will headline The Biggest Women’s Month Celebration Tour Experience.

The tour will take place in Durban on August 7, 2026 at the Durban ICC. Two other events are:

August 6, 2026 – Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town

August 10, 2026 – SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria

 

Celebrated globally for her soulful voice and timeless catalogue, Tamia has captivated audiences with chart-topping hits including So Into You, Stranger in My House, Spend My Life With You, You Put a Move on My Heart, Still, Officially Missing You, Who Do You Tell?, This Time It’s Love, Careless Whisper, and Rain on Me, among many others.

This tour promises to be a premium live music experience, celebrating women, music, and culture during Women’s Month. Fans can expect an unforgettable evening of world-class entertainment, nostalgia, and powerful vocal performances from one of R&B’s most beloved voices.

More information from Sibusiso Ketwa on email: sbuketwa@gabisomedia.co.za

HISTORY CHANNEL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Mysteries Unearthed With Danny Trejo season 2

April 18

Saturdays 19h25

 Mysteries UnEarthed with Danny Trejo season 2 examines the fascinating stories surrounding buried arti facts and lost civilizations, offering new insight and information, on various mysteries of the past and present. 

Anchored by Danny Trejo’s affinity for history and his natural curiosity into exploring the unknown, the show also includes captivating archival material, expert interviews, and compelling recreations. The series seeks to unearth what the human eye cannot easily detect.

The Lost Secrets of Jesus

April 19

Sunday 20h15

 The Lost Secrets of Jesus peels back the layers of centuries-old tradition and artistic interpretation to reveal the real historical and archaeological evidence behind the life of Jesus.

Taking viewers on a captivating journey from the ruins of Bethlehem to the heart of Roman politics, this special uncovers the lost cities, astonishing discoveries, and hidden truths that shaped the world of Jesus. This documentary is a deep dive into the historical context and tangible evidence of Jesus’ time.

Through expert insights and new findings, The Lost Secrets of Jesus challenges what we think we know, offering a fresh perspective on the man who changed the course of history. By exploring the past, we gain a richer understanding of Jesus and the world he lived in, making this special an unforgettable exploration of one of history’s most influential figures.

CENTRE FOR JAZZ CELEBRATES CENTENARY ANNIVERSARIES OF MILES DAVIS AND JOHN COLTRANE

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 programme at CJPM will pay homage to these two jazz giants with a sequence of four themed concerts in April:

 

15th: Annual Jazz vocal showcase

The annual celebration of vocal jazz spotlights the repertoires of Miles and Trane as jazz voice lecturer, Debbie Mari puts the talented singers through their paces.

 

22nd: Miles meets Mzansi

The spirit of innovation and futurism of Miles Davis meets the imagination of young South African musicians. New arrangements of classic Miles Davis tunes that are woven into the sound and feel of contemporary South Africa. Ntokozo Nsimbane on trumpet, Siyalo Zulu on trombone, Neil Gonsalves on piano, Zolile Mgqatsha on bass and Riley Giandhari on drums.

 

29th: George Mari present a Miles Davis tribute

George Mari (trumpet), Debbie Mari (voice), Leon Scharnick (saxophone), Melvin Peters (piano), Thutho Motsemme (bass) and Riley Giandhari take to the stage to celebrate classic Miles.

 

In addition, the jazz ensembles are working on repertoire in preparation to make presentation of the story and music of Miles and Trane to local schools and community music programs. The Centre is excited to have its new saxophone teacher, Mr Linda Sikhakane lead our students in this endeavour.

 

THE SONGBOOK SESSIONS

Monday 13 April!

Renowned guitarist - Nick Pitman is the host for the evening - playing his own compositions, including Jaedon's compositions in the set.

Joined by Masuda (Obakeng Thamage) on Keys, Brayden Hore on Bass and Bruce Baker on Drums. If you are a musician and want to jam on the tunes, come through at 18h00!

 

Monday 20 April

This will be led by the dynamic vocalist Xolisa Dlamini.

Tickets at Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1587340270

 

Monday 27 April

The Songbook session at Bean Bag Jazz Lounge.

 

The Songbook Session departures from its regular Venue at UKZN Jazz Centre. 27th will be hosted by the beautiful Bean Bag Jazz Lounge and led by the incredible Dr Natalie Rungan. For audiences and musicians alike, The Songbook Sessions offers a vibrant platform for collaboration, learning, and musical exploration—continuing its mission to cultivate community through live performance and shared repertoire.

For audiences and musicians alike, The Songbook Sessions offer a vibrant platform for collaboration, learning, and musical exploration—continuing its mission to cultivate community through live performance and shared repertoire. Held weekly on Mondays from 18h00. Entrance is free for participating musicians and artists.

The Songbook Sessions Monday night jam session is made possible through the generous funding support of Concerts SA, Festival Enterprise Catalyst, SAMRO, and the National Treasury Jobs Fund.

A WOMAN APART

(Pics by Shelley Kjonstad)

(Right: Kajal Maharaj)

 

Kajal Maharaj in new one-woman show: “Who am I when my story ends?”

Seabrookes Theatre, DHS: Fri 24, Sat 25 and Sun 26 April

A Woman Apart, a new one-hander drama by Naresh Veeran, featuring award-winning, KZN actress Kajal Maharaj, comes to the intimate Seabrookes Theatre at DHS campus for a short season on April 24, 25 and 26, 2026.

Our experience of life continues to show us that happiness is fleeting, and that a sustainable sense of joy therefore cannot lie in the arms, dreams, or bank account of another. Tash is a successful, married lawyer (Maharaj). We meet her scrolling through her phone while waiting for an Uber in the midst of a moral and ethical crisis. As her story unfolds, we take an intimate look at the choices and actions that brought her to this point. 

Presented as a one-woman live on-stage performance, an immersive theatre experience supports it through a creative mix of AI and video technology. “The overall effect is that of a live screen-play”, says Executive Producer, Prakash Naidu, “A performance within a performance, which features virtual cameo appearances from artists including Daisy Spencer, Suria Govender, Darren King, Rahul Brijnath, Vukani Cele, Shika Budhoo and, via Instagram appearances, comedians Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert, and others.”

Writer and director, Naresh Veeran, says: “It is a story of personal freedom that comes only through honest reflection of one’s choices and decisions. The key message of A Woman Apart is that it is a self-generated consequence of what remains of us when such pursuits are seen for exactly what they are. Through Kajal’s performance, this play shows one possible HOW.”

(Left: Kajal Maharaj and Naresh Veeran photographed at Coastlands Musgrave Hotel on the Ridge.)

Maharaj who is best known for her performances on the hit television series, Imbewu, her recent lead in the comedy-drama, My Cousin’s Big Fat Durban Wedding, is looking forward to returning to the theatre once more where she began her career at age nine.

Maharaj enthuses: “Live performance is art, and the story of A Woman Apart is like a rich tapestry of colours and textures woven together by an artist whose sole occupation is creating beauty and spreading joy. It’s an amazing ride, and I’m really looking forward to sharing it.”

Veeran, a jazz musician and creative, is the best-selling author of the crime caper, 31 Million Reasons, and the director of KZN’s fabulous cinema box-office, romcom success, For Better, For Worse.

A Woman Apart runs for a short season in Durban at the intimate Seabrooke Theatre, DHS Campus on St Thomas Rd, Musgrave. The show runs:

-Friday 24 April at 15h00 and 19h30;

-Saturday 25 April at 16h00 (a fundraiser for SA Women Lawyer Assn) and 19h30

-Sunday 26 April at 19h30.

Tickets cost R150 pp. Bookings can be made via WhatsApp 069 433 9728 or via Instagram @NareshVeeranLive.

Guarded parking and bar/snack service available. The show runs for 70 minutes, no interval. Due to the adult content of the production, no under-16s permitted.

THE SHOCK OF THE LIGHT: REVIEW

 

The author shows how war changes everything, everyone who is involved in it and every bit of once-imagined permanence and stability. (Review by Margaret von Klemperer, courtesy of The Witness)

 

The Shock Of The Light by Lori Inglis Hall is a lengthy and complex novel, which tackles a variety of themes while centering on the years of World War 2. The main characters are Tessa and Theo, twins growing up in Cambridge in the interwar years with a pacifist father and a French mother. They share everything, developing a very close bond, but the reader is aware from the outset that they are very different people.

When Theo goes to university in England, Tessa heads to Paris and the Sorbonne, but when she returns, she has changed. She is less open with her brother who feels that she is hiding something - not that he doesn’t have secrets of his own. But then war breaks out, and despite their father’s objections, both go off to serve.

Theo joins the RAF and flies Spitfires while Tessa, bored with the secretarial work which seems to be about all that is open to her, eventually joins the Special Operations Executive and is parachuted into France.

The central part of the novel deals with the wartime experiences of both twins – and this is not a glamorous tale of derring-do and heroic exploits. Those do occur, but this war is a frightening, dirty experience which will not end well for either Theo or Tessa whose lives are often very messy. The author shows how war changes everything, everyone who is involved in it and every bit of once-imagined permanence and stability.

The narrative moves on to the post-war years, the Nuremberg trials, the revelations of betrayal, the concentration camps and the horrors of not knowing what happened to loved ones. And indeed, sometimes the horrors of knowing exactly what happened. I certainly don’t want to give spoilers for what is a well-constructed and well-told tale, so I will not give away the details of the plot. But a number of themes are explored.

One, of course, is the bond between twins and how their closeness can never disguise the fact of their being very much their own people. Another is the role of women in the early and mid-20th Century and how it played into the hands of people who exploited it for their own ends, both good and evil, and how now, in the 21st Century, it is being exposed. It makes for impressive addition to the fictional accounts of World War 2. - Margaret von Klemperer

The Shock Of The Light by Lori Inglis Hall is published by The Borough Press: ISBN 978-0-00-870132-1