With the festive season upon us, the Central City is a great place to experience arts and culture both from our own shores as well as from abroad, whether you’re into a rip-roaring party or taking in a popular show.
14 December – 7 January
Evita
Pieter Toerien stages the famous Andrew Lloyd Weber & Tim Rice musical which charts the rise of Eva Peron.
Where: Artscape Arena, DF Malan St
When: Check website for details
Cost: R100 to R500
www.artscape.co.za
14 December – 9 February
King Kong: Legend of a boxer
It sold out the first time around earlier this year, and now this landmark musical first staged in 1956 returns (see picture above).
Where: The Fugard Theatre, Caledon St
When: See website for dates and times
Cost: R130 to R280
www.thefugard.com
15 – 24 December
The Nutcracker
This traditional fairytale ballet tells the story of Fritz, Clara and her mysterious magician godfather, Drosselmeyer, who brings toys to life. It features the dancers of Cape Town City Ballet, joined by younger dancers.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Check website for times
Cost: R120 to R200
www.artscape.co.za
16 December
MCQP presents Dungeons & Dragons
MCQP, which has become an annual highlight on Cape Town’s gay and gay-friendly calendar promises to be bigger and better. This year’s event will feel like a Game of Thrones set, with kings, queens, knights and dragons gathering for one of SA’s biggest dress-up parties.
Where: The Castle of Good Hope, cnr Buitenkant & Darling streets
When: Saturday 16 December
Cost: R380 right up to R35 000 for Prive suites
https://mcqp.co.za/
14 – 23 December
The Frog Prince
Great fun for the little ones. Only the kiss of a beautiful princess can break the spell after a handsome prince stops at a well to have a drink of water.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre (Theatre foyer), DF Malan St
When: 10h30
Cost: R90
www.artscape.co.za
31 December – 7 January
The Cabaret Club
A sexy, jazzy ballet to welcome in 2018! The New Year’s Eve performance includes a complimentary glass of bubbly. The show also features the versatile Cape Town City Ballet dancers who will share the stage with musicians and singers.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Check website for times
Cost: R120 to R250
www.artscape.co.za
10 – 28 January
Cinderella on Ice
Family entertainment in a dramatic new interpretation of the classic tale with stunning skating feats. Glorious costumes, magnificent sets and special effects of fire, rain and flying.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Check website for times
Cost: R90 to R425
www.artscape.co.za
6 January
CTPO Viennese New Year Concert
The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra welcomes in the New Year with its traditional Viennese New Year’s concert ….but in a new venue while the City Hall gets a revamp.
Where: Cape Town Convention Centre (new wing), Heerengracht
When: 6 January at 15h00 and 19h00
Cost: R130 (R90 for state pensioners). Book online or tickets also available at the door.
www.cpo.org.za
REGULAR/LONGTERM EVENTS
December - January
in perpetuum
Working with steel is hot and unpredictable. But in the hands of 2017 Standard Bank Young Artist winner Beth Diane Armstrong, it makes magic in her solo show, in perpetuum.
Where: Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Ave
When: December and January
www.iziko.org
December – January
Café Roux Sessions
Enjoy newbie and well-established musicians and comedians in an intimate setting. Watershed, Jesse Clegg and Ard Matthews are among the proudly home-grown performers in the December line-up.
Where: Cafe Roux, 74 Shortmarket St
When: check website for details
caferouxsessions.co.za
Every Thursday
Earth Fair Food Market
Where: upper St Georges Mall
When: 11h00-15h00
www.earthfairmarket.co.za
Mondays
Romantic horror movies at Nomad
Where: NOMAD Bistro & Bar, 33 Waterkant St
When: 20h00 till 22h00
Cost: R50; date night combo R299
www.facebook.com/nomadbistrofusion
Wednesdays
Live music at Nomad
Where: NOMAD Bistro & Bar, 33 Waterkant St
When: 20h00 till 23h00
Cost: R60; VIP R90
www.facebook.com/nomadbistrofusion
Saturdays
Story time for kids
Where: The Book Lounge, 71 Roeland St
When: 11h00
Cost: Free
www.booklounge.co.za
For regularly updated event info, visit City Views on Facebook
“Evita” image from the Pieter Toerien production at Artscape
Lukhanyo Moyake and Siphamandla Yakupa compliments of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra