SOUTH AFRICA THEATER REVIEWS

The preview of sixteen productions at the Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival revealed an impressive depth of talent, creativity and passion from emerging theatre-makers. Each extract reflected powerful community stories and real-life struggles, performed with honesty and commitment. The festival clear...

Warm, relaxed and full of nostalgia, Key Change showcases Jonathan Roxmouth at his most engaging. With humour, stylish staging and timeless piano classics, the show creates a joyful atmosphere that has the whole audience smiling. A thoroughly enjoyable evening of music and memories....

A powerful, intense solo performance by Alan Committie that drags The Iliad out of history and into the present. Raging emotion, stark visuals, a gripping soundscape and visceral physicality combine to expose the brutal, repetitive nature of war and humanity’s destructive ego....

A lively, fast-paced and very funny romp through Shakespeare. Three equally talented performers, slick backstage work and simple staging keep the focus on the action. Affectionate, farcical and thoroughly entertaining....

Sumptuous design, assured dancing and clear storytelling combine to create a Nutcracker that is both elegant and utterly engrossing....

Watching AND THE GIRLS IN THEIR SUNDAY DRESSES at the Baxter, I was reminded in many ways of WAITING FOR GODOT. However, this production - written by the incredible Zakes Mda - is so much more, in my opinion....

A sharp, silly and fearless comedy ride where smart political satire meets mischievous puppets and riotous audience interaction....

A gripping courtroom drama. Strong, well-rehearsed direction, a functional and clever set. Standout performances from Tumelo Mogashoa, Gillian Vosloo and Kendra Maduray....

If you're like many people who have difficulty telling Shakespeare's comedies apart, just remember that TWELFTH NIGHT is the one with the yellow stockings. It's also the one that's on at Maynardville for their 2026 season....

A riveting two-hander, The Opera Singer peels back the diva’s glamour to reveal vulnerability and truth. Fiona Ramsay is magnetic, Owain Rhys Davies compelling. Sharp writing, elegant design, superb pacing....

Listening to Walls Wear Off Their Colour is an intimate, thought-provoking experience that demands more than passive observation. From the moment the performance begins, the audience is called to be still, to sit back and listen, allowing the narrator’s voice to guide reflection....

Colleen the Musical arrives with a flourish of sass, sparkle and unmistakeable Cape Town flavour. It is a joyous return that few could have predicted yet many will celebrate....

MOANA JR. at Theatre Arts Observatory, directed by Sonwa Sakuba, is joyful, visually rich holiday theatre, captivating young audiences with a story of courage, self-belief and bravery....

I'm pretty sure that you will love ALICE IN WONDERLAND - A PANTO (and don't you tell me 'oh no, I won't' because I'll just say 'oh yes, you will'). It's a true pantomime with all the audience interaction hijinks and hilarity. It's a lot of fun!...

I have never been as entranced by a ballet as I was by this breathtaking production of GISELLE. Set in a rustic village surrounded by a dense wood, Michael Mitchell’s set is immensely atmospheric and one feels immediately drawn into its lush depths....

MS. B-HAVED, directed by Natasha Sutherland, tells the story of Sally Burkett, “Ms B”, (played by Sue Diepeveen, who is also the writer of the play), a beloved yet disgraced grade 3 teacher....

This production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT brings the joy, the oomph and the laughter in buckets! I can see exactly why they've returned for another season here in Cape Town....

This production is a beautiful journey through the life of Charlie Chaplin using both song and narrative storytelling, and it's all told through the eyes of his most famous character, The Tramp....

Read BroadwayWorld's review on MOFFIE at Baxter Flipside! See what BroadwayWorld's critic thought of the show and learn more about the production here. ...

It's important to know that this is three separate pieces that are linked together through the themes of memory, emotion and thoughts. What you're getting as an audience member is raw athleticism and performance from the dancers as the music moves them....

This was more than a performance, it was an educational excursion not to be missed. With narration in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa, and a storyline that aligns beautifully with the school music curriculum, learners were offered an accessible and unforgettable introduction to opera....

NOISES OFF by Michael Frayn is hailed as one of the funniest plays ever written. To succeed with a farce like this, however, requires exceptional execution. It’s no surprise then that this production hits all the right notes; I laughed from start to finish....

Chicago isn’t just a show, it’s a full throttle experience, sharp satire, irresistible music and performances that demand your attention. It’s bold, cheeky and undeniably sexy. Truly, a classic that keeps getting better with time....

As a starter (pun intended), FEEDBACK is one the most bizarre shows I’ve ever seen – it starts with two detectives being violently attacked by foodstuffs, and that’s just the beginning. I loved every second....

See what BroadwayWorld's critic thought of TO LIFE, WITH LOVE at Societas Theatre. Learn more about the production and read the review for it here! Learn more. ...