LifestylePREMIUM

What's On June 2-9

Heroes, beasts, whales and Zulus

Fairytale creatures come to life in 'Shrek - The Musical'.
Fairytale creatures come to life in 'Shrek - The Musical'. (Supplied)

WHAT: Shrek - The Musical 

WHERE: Milnerton Playhouse, Pienaar Rd, Milnerton

WHEN: June 4-5 

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek — The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy-tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change) and a side-splitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there's more to the story than meets the ears. “Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek ...” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy-tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand ... and his name is Shrek. Irreverent fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre. Tickets are available from R170 via Quicket.

Bombshelter Beast, the group originally formed by South African jazz legend Marcus Wyatt in 2015, has grown to include a real mengelmoes of musicians.
Bombshelter Beast, the group originally formed by South African jazz legend Marcus Wyatt in 2015, has grown to include a real mengelmoes of musicians. (Simon Sonnekus)

WHAT: Bombshelter Beast 'Listen Properly' album launch

WHERE: Sognage, 304 Tungsten Rd, Strydompark, Johannesburg

WHEN: June 6

The beast is back! Bombshelter Beast emerges ravenous after a five-year hibernation, and with a new baba in hand. This fest of good vibes will double as the launch party for the second and long-awaited album Listen Properly — a slightly schizo collection of banging tunes in keeping with the Bombshelter spirit. But wait, it gets better, with the bounce-inducing madness of one of the beast's all-time favourite supergroups — Nomadic Orchestra. These two bands together will get even the sternest civil servant to shake their moneymaker ... Joining these two acts is the legendary DJ Bob and the manic maniac DJ Lex Neville, with his golden collection of old-school kwaito. Sognage is where it's at — wear comfy tekkies people — your feet sure gonna move. Tickets are available from R200 via Quicket.

St Francis Bay is welcoming the whales from June 6-8. Join them for a weekend filled with fun activities for the whole family.
St Francis Bay is welcoming the whales from June 6-8. Join them for a weekend filled with fun activities for the whole family. (Lloyd Edwards)

WHAT: St Francis Bay Welcomes the Whales 

WHERE: Cape St Francis Resort, 54 Da Gama Rd, Cape St Francis

WHEN: June 6-8 

St Francis is welcoming humpback whales, southern right whales and you and your family for a weekend dedicated to whale of a good time! From whale-watching cruises to a gentle trail of the whale walk; an insightful whale chat with maritime expert Lloyd Edwards to a whale sandcastle-building competition; and Zen whale melodies soothing you and your soul during a yoga session — this weekend is for all! Tickets are available from R20 via Quicket.

Catch National Arts Festival plays in Durban next weekend.
Catch National Arts Festival plays in Durban next weekend. (Supplied)

WHAT: 031 Festival

WHERE: Seabrooke's Theatre, Durban High School, Saint Thomas Road, Musgrave, Durban 

WHEN: June 6-8

The Durban Theatre community is excited to announce the third annual family-friendly 031 Theatre Festival, taking place at The Seabrooke's Theatre at DHS from June 6-8. This theatre festival is spearheaded by Lisa Bobbert and Aaron Mcilroy (Macbob Productions) and Michael Broderick (Theatresmiths) and will feature various productions that are performing at this year’s National Arts Festival in Makhanda. The 031 Festival allows theatre lovers a special sneak preview of some of the productions heading off to the Eastern Cape. Tickets available from R130 via Webtickets.

Mbongeni Ngema’s 'The Zulu' is coming to Joburg Theatre.
Mbongeni Ngema’s 'The Zulu' is coming to Joburg Theatre. (Supplied)

WHAT: The Zulu 

WHERE: Joburg Rd, 138 Civic Rd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 

WHEN: June 6-22

Mbongeni Ngema’s The Zulu is a powerful theatrical production that chronicles the rich and complex history of the Zulu nation, from its early formation to the historic Battle of Isandlwana. Rooted in cultural heritage and historical events, the play captures the identity, strength and enduring resistance of the Zulu people. Originally performed as a solo piece, The Zulu has now been reimagined as a two-hander, performed by acclaimed actors Abdul Khoza and Nhlakanipho Manqele. This dynamic reinterpretation brings new depth and dimension to the storytelling, offering a fresh and compelling take on the original work. The play traces the origins of the Zulu nation, spotlighting its foundational leaders and traditional customs, and delves into the reign of King Shaka Zulu. The production ends with the dramatic and victorious Battle of Isandlwana in 1879, where Zulu forces defeated British colonial troops. Directed by Sibusiso Mamba and underscored by the evocative music of Mfiliseni Magubane. Tickets available from R120 via Webtickets.

WHAT: Khayelitsha Fashion Week 

WHERE: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan Dr, Foreshore, Cape Town

WHEN: June 7

Experience the Mother City’s timeless style at the Artscape Theatre Centre. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this year’s event promises to be a spectacular showcase of creativity and elegance. Khayelitsha Fashion Week presents emerging local designers showcasing their latest creations on the runway. Enjoy a dazzling production complete with captivating performances and high-class models. Walk the red carpet, starting at 12pm, and participate in this unforgettable fashion and talent celebration. Tickets available from R150 via Webtickets.

Here's to taking life one step at a time - or 948 in the Ponte Challenge case.
Here's to taking life one step at a time - or 948 in the Ponte Challenge case. (Supplied by Nickolaus Bauer)

WHAT: Ponte Challenge

WHERE: Ponte Tower, 1 Lily Ave, Berea, Johannesburg 

WHEN: June 8 

Are you ready for an adrenaline-packed urban adventure like no other? Dlala Nje proudly presents the “Ponte Challenge”, an exhilarating experience that takes you on a journey from the heart of the iconic Ponte Tower and up 948 stairs to an unbeatable view of the Joburg skyline. Get your heart racing; start in the core of this remarkable building and  climb to the top before enjoying a delicious Afro-cosmopolitan breakfast. Tickets are available from R125 via Dlala Nje's website.


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