WHAT: The Ugly Noo Noo
WHERE: The Baxter Theatre, Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town
WHEN: July 23-August 10
Acclaimed thespian and playwright Andrew Buckland’s seminal one-man show, The Ugly Noo Noo, premiered at the Market Theatre in 1988 under the direction of his wife Janet. Three decades later and Buckland’s classic work of comic physical performance meets political theatre remains as captivating and salient as it did at its debut. The recipient of 17 national and international awards — including a Fringe First from the Edinburgh Festival — The Ugly Noo Noo will make you “howl with laughter at the sheer sensual pleasure of theatrical performance”, as per late cultural critic Barry Ronge. Tickets are available from R150 via Webtickets.
WHAT: Conrad Koch and Chester Missing — The Despicable Tour
WHERE: Ground Café, 170 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town
WHEN: July 23 -24
What do you get when you combine a lethally funny ventriloquist with a provocative puppet? The despicably hilarious duo of Conrad Koch and Chester Missing. Join the extolled biloquist and incendiary puppet for their latest rendition of raucous merriment at Ground Café on Tuesday and Wednesday. Featuring familiar favourites, including high school teacher Mr Dixon and Hilton the jolling ostrich, audience members will be introduced to das Deutsche tourist Gunter, Vladimir Putin the Vampire, and music junkie DJ Hoodie. Tickets are available from R100 via Quicket.
WHAT: Art Under the Bed Winter - Cape Town
WHERE: 10 Serpentine, Rd, Oranjezicht, Cape Town
WHEN: July 25-27
Thought art was limited to galleries, museums and collectors’ Schatzkammers? Not so. The second winter edition of Art Under the Bed’s sale is taking place in a casual setting at a house in Oranjezicht from Thursday until Saturday. Featuring works by emerging and established artists, the sale is hosted and run by the visual maestros themselves. Not only does the sale offer you the opportunity to peruse art in a welcoming environment but also encourages nascent artists to exhibit their work alongside known names. Entry is free but booking is essential via Quicket.
WHAT: The 11th Durban Dance Movement Festival
WHERE: The Playhouse Company, 231 Anton Lembede St, Durban Central
WHEN: July 26-27
From amapiano to hip-hop, break dance to ballet, Bollywood to otherwise-abled, the Durban Dance Movement Festival is an inclusive homage to dance forms of all genres. Now in its 11th year, this festival highlights the Courtnaé Pauls, Kitty Phetlas and Musa Mothas of KwaZulu-Natal. Celebrate two days of being wowed by dancers from across the province, including youth groups, community troupes and the pros. Tickets are available from R130 via Webtickets.
WHAT: The Good Life Show Joburg
WHERE: Kyalami Grand Prix, Circuit R55 & Allandale Road, Kyalami Estate, Midrand
WHEN: July 26-28
Pro plant-based diets? Connoisseur of conscious consumerism? Staunch supporter of sustainable living? The Good Life Show has your back. South Africa’s largest expo, celebrating a sustainable way of living, is coming to Jozi next weekend. From demonstrations by local and international chefs, to getting in touch with untainted natural products at the natural and organic show, to culinary conversations, and a smorgasbord of organic, plant-based and natural foodstuff and products for sale. Sustainability proponents, pencil in this date as a must-have experience. Tickets are available from R150 via Quicket.
WHAT: Hogsback Music in the Snow
WHERE: Hogsback, Eastern Cape
WHEN: July 26-July 28
Internationally acclaimed musos will descend upon the magical Eastern Cape dorpie of Hogsback — and you’re invited. The weekend will commence with an exclusive cocktail party on Friday followed by a scenic hike à la the Siya-Torisha Tour Guide and the East London Hikers Club on Saturday (an excellent opportunity to get that selfie at the spectacular Madonna and Child waterfalls). The jol and jams will kick off on Saturday afternoon (from lunch ’til late), and the weekend will wrap up with a bonfire, potjiekos and soulful tunes on Sunday night. Presented by the Eastern Cape Jazz Festival, the line-up includes performances by some of Mzansi’s finest artists, including Langa Mavuso, Vusi Nova, the Jaziel Brothers, Ismail Abrahams and Paul Mtirara. Tickets are available from R150 via Quicket (ticket costs vary depending on your activities of choice, with a weekend pass available for R1,000).
WHAT: Carnegie Hall National Youth Jazz Orchestra live at The Market Theatre
WHERE: The Market Theatre, 56 Margaret Mcingana St, Newtown, Johannesburg
WHEN: July 26-28
Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Jazz Orchestra is traversing musical continents with their first tour to Africa. Composed of gifted young musicians aged 16-19 from across the US, the renowned orchestra will perform two shows at the Market Theatre next weekend. Big-band classics by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and Mary Lou Williams feature on their repertoire, alongside new arrangements and a composition by our very own Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane. Tickets for this youthfully jazztastic event are available from R150 via Webtickets.
WHAT: Hasher Fine Family & Wine Feast Series | Chapter One
WHERE: Hasher Family Estate, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus
WHEN: July 27
The Hasher Family Wine Estate are launching their Family & Fine Wine Feast on Saturday. The first vinicultural chapter in this series, themed “Fynbos”, will offer family-friendly activities for all. Frolicking, foraging, vineyard-exploring, impeccable wine and scrumptious cuisine all feature on the menu du jour of this event taking place at their estate nestled in the gorgeous Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The fun doesn’t end there, though. You and your young ’uns can look forward to future Family & Fine Wine Feasts in April, July, October and December, with each event designed around a unique theme to ensure family fun for all. Tickets are R850 per adult and R350 per child and can be booked via WhatsApp (+27 78 349 5402) or email (sasha@hasherfamilywines.co.za). Visit https://hasherfamilywines.co.za/family-and-fine-wine-feast-fynbos/ for all event details.
WHAT: Bridge Street Whiskey Festival
WHERE: Brickmakerskloof, 1 Bridge St, South End, Gqeberha
WHEN: July 27
Whiskey aficionados, novices and casual enthusiasts, join fellow samplers of this rich, malty, maize-y liquor at Gqeberha’s Bridge Street Whiskey Festival for a day of sipping ’n learning. Featuring high-quality whiskeys selected from distilleries worldwide (and gin for the juniper adherents among you). With renowned experts to guide you on your quaffing journey, you’re in for a grand craic of a time. Sláinte! And, yes, there are prizes to be won for the best dressed. Simply don your finest Scottish Highlands-meets-Tommy Shelby apparel and join in on the sartorial soirée. Tickets for this day of revelry and liquory pedagogy are available from R300 via Quicket.
WHAT: Old Mutual Music at the Lake Series ft The Parlotones
WHERE: Durban Botanic Gardens, John Zikhali Rd, Berea, Durban
WHEN: July 28
The Old Mutual Music at the Lake series is back. Head to Durban’s Botanic Gardens on Sunday for a day of live music featuring South African indie-rock favourites, The Parlotones. This day spent listening to good tunes in a beautiful lake-side setting is as philanthropic as it is picture-and-Parlotones-esque. All proceeds from the performances will go the Garden Window Project, a programme dedicated to plant development in the Botanic Garden. Pack your snacks and beverages, bring a picnic blanket and camping chairs and get the party started. Tickets are available from R245 via Webtickets.
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