Latest news with #Artscape
Daily Maverick
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
No freak show — Everybody's Talking About Jamie is a musical with a gender-transcending hero
Based on the true story of a British schoolboy who set out to attend his high-school dance in a dress, the show addresses teenagers on their own terms. Despite some salty language and a scene or two featuring teenaged boys comically discussing rapacious plans for their ambitious penises, Everybody's Talking About Jamie hits just the right notes for young audiences caught up in some of the existing and emerging complexities of our time. The British musical is based on a 2011 documentary (Jamie: Drag Queen at 16) about a Sheffield schoolboy who not only wanted to attend his high school dance wearing a dress, but also aspired to become a drag queen. The show premiered in Sheffield in 2017, became a hit on the West End and on Broadway, and was turned into a film. It owes a little something to everything from the transformative magic of Cinderella to the queer celebration of cross-dressing in Rocky Horror. And, like the musical Kinky Boots, it explores drag culture in the context of a poorer, working-class north England town. Its message of acceptance, of self and others, though, is universal. And vital. It takes on homophobes, absent fathers and the tricky path to unconditional self-love (don't worry, the path is definitely not twee), all while making a case for mean-spirited dullards to stop policing other people's identities. The iteration that's just opened in Cape Town at Artscape's intimate Arena theatre is a student production, a showcase of the triple-threat talents of a large ensemble cast from the Waterfront Theatre School. Challenges for young cast It comes with plenty of challenges for the young, enthusiastic cast, including Sheffield (and Jamaican) accents, boys sashaying and dancing in heels, a set that gets a little bit in the way of the action, and – along with a lot of scene changes – a roller-coaster of emotional ups and downs on the way to catharsis, healing and redemption. Whether or not all of these challenges are surmounted, isn't really the point. While the show perhaps lacks polish, it is not without its triumphs: there is tremendous life, passion and energy on stage – and the songs, the big-hearted story and the celebration of an independent spirit will win you over. And while some of the best scenes are its intimate moments (such as when Jamie's mum, played by Danielle Bosman, tenderly sings about her unconditional love for her boy), it's the energising large-scale sequences that really make the Arena come alive with the whizz-bang choreography, the best of which includes riffs on ballroom vogueing and snatches of distinctly South African dance moves that make it all feel very much of the moment and quite close to home. The titular Jamie New is played by the spry young John Marshall, who has both the cheekbones and the legs for the part. Jamie's a bit of a paradox, though. Bright, sunshiny and perennially positive, there's something in the performance here that perhaps reflects the conservative backlash against personal freedom that is emerging across the globe. While Jamie exudes a fierce confidence that occasionally veers into unabashed narcissism, there are moments when he's less certain, almost held back, making him a lot more gritty and complicated than you'd expect from a teenage boy who, within the first few scenes, is given a pair of red high-heel shoes by his working-class single-and-struggling mum. This isn't a show about a boy's battle to come out of the closet – we're beyond that, and Jamie is a hero designed for a brave new openminded world – but there are moments (such as when he butts heads with his school counsellor over his right to equality) when you're reminded of the ways in which the so-called Free World seems to be going backwards. Marshall has a tough task balancing the multiple nuances and intricacies of the role, and he does a commendable job. What he allows to come through is the fact that the show is not actually about a boy getting his own way in an unjust world, but about a boy who learns that there is more to life than being the centre of the show. Sure, everybody is eventually talking (and singing) about Jamie, but only because Jamie has nabbed the spotlight while disappearing into the guise of an alter ego – what he learns in the second act, though, is that there's more to life than 'me' (or Mimi Me, his drag persona). As wonderful as Jamie feels when he achieves social acceptance (in the form of 'everybody' talking about him), the real lesson is that genuine happiness lies in self-acceptance, being himself rather than escaping into the superficial joy of wearing a pretty dress. And while there's plenty of acceptance – from his mother, his best friend and by most of his classmates who don't seem to care either way about his sexuality – many familiar negative tropes and stereotypes are there, too. Chief among them are his homophobic and neglectful father and a school bully who, in a touching performance by Khanya Gwe, manages to convey some glimmer of the broken soul that dwells inside Jamie's bigoted nemesis. Which means that, as much as this is one of those feel-good musicals with a predictably upbeat outcome, it's not without its more sobering moments. The show is what some might call 'woke', with some colossal moments of the gay hero reclaiming homophobic slurs. It also shapes an interesting conversation around the theory (posed in the show by Asanda Mngadi's semi-retired drag queen, Loco Chanelle) that, while 'a boy in a dress is something to be laughed at, a drag queen is something to be feared'. As it turns out, neither is true. Charmingly bitchy There's nothing at all scary, in fact, about the show's trio of charmingly bitchy queens – Laika Virgin (Andrew Woods), Tray Sophisticay (Andrew Ingram) and Sandra Bollock (Krys Igirubuntu) – who most precisely capture the spirit and energy of the musical. They bring biting humour, a touch of glamour and plenty of swank to their parts. And they make a pretty good go of stealing the show. That said, not everything in this production coheres quite as well as the drag queens, and there are times when the cast seems a touch inhibited, when the actors underplay, forgetting that in musicals everything is heightened – or should be – so my sense is that it's a show that will improve with time as everyone finds their groove. One harder-to-resolve problem is that the set itself impedes the staging. There's a massive, squat, pyramid-shaped rostrum in the middle of the performance space which, rather than serving the show, frequently squashes the action into uncomfortably restrictive spaces. There's also the question of the energy dropping off between scenes, which has the effect of making the show lag a bit. To its credit, this production really manages to get into some of the deeper nuances of the story: that it's not so much about a boy figuring out how to get his own way, but about a boy learning that he is not the centre of the universe. Jamie gets his much-needed lesson in inner beauty from his best friend, Pritti, a bookish, hijab-wearing Muslim girl played with diligent seriousness and real commitment by Kate Lagan. What Pritti conveys is the soul of the story: that real actualisation has nothing to do with fame, celebrity, notoriety or having everyone talk about you. Jamie's real journey is coming to terms with the fact that he is enough. And if that's not a valuable message for young people caught up in all the nonsense in the world today, I don't know what is. DM
IOL News
06-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Investment and job creation: Premier Winde hosts Austrian President Van der Bellen
The Federal President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, was received by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde on Saturday. Image: Premier Alan Winde/Facebook The Federal President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, was received by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde on Saturday at the official Leeuwenhof residence, where they discussed opportunities for investment and job creation. This comes as Van der Bellen and the first lady of Austria, Doris Schmidauer, arrived in the country as part of a four-day working State Visit with the Austrian delegation to consolidate the long-standing and strong relationship between South Africa and Austria. Premier Alan Winde, who, alongside his wife Tracy, met with the Austrian leader and Schmidauer, said that their meeting was great. He added that there's strong interest in green energy and advanced manufacturing, which are both key sectors for growing the Western Cape economy and creating work for residents. 'We've got a linkage between Upper Austria, one of their states, and ourselves. We'll be hosting further engagements in an investment conference, with Governor Thomas Stelzer, later in the year. 'It's about growing economy, and about working together - partnerships out of Europe and here in the southern part of Africa. This is all about the economy. It is all about growth, and it is all about jobs.' Van der Bellen said that it was good to meet with Winde to talk about the potential for cooperation. 'Austrian companies are more than eager to explore new opportunities, particularly in sectors such as green energy and advanced manufacturing.' The delegation also visited several venues and organisations of interest, including the Artscape, where they met with key Artscape staff, such as the CEO, Marlene le Roux, as well as the Artscape Council, including its chairperson, Zak Gordon. They shared some insight into Artscape's operations, both theatrical and administrative, as well as a short tour of the building, ending off with some light refreshments to portray Cape Town's hospitality. Van der Bellen was welcomed by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, and also visited Freedom Park where Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton Mackenzie was present. 'Austria and South Africa enjoy strong bilateral trade and investment relations spanning energy, industrial technology, pharmaceuticals and vocational training. Bilateral trade between South Africa and Austria has been steadily increasing. 'A number of leading Austrian companies are involved in South Africa, through direct investments, distribution and sales offices, or in projects and other services,' Ramaphosa said. 'There are many more opportunities for investment by Austrian companies in South Africa. There are opportunities in areas such as renewable energy generation, agro-processing and component manufacturing opportunities. 'There are also opportunities in critical minerals beneficiations, pharmaceuticals, technology and innovation, among others,' Ramaphosa said. 'We want to see more Austrian tourists coming to South Africa and more South Africans visiting Austria. We are particularly keen to explore eco, sports and heritage tourism.' Ramaphosa said they signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of technical and vocational training. 'We want to learn from Austria on how to achieve the delicate balance between building the workforce of the future and growing the skills needed by the economy today. 'As the South African government, we have consistently affirmed the importance of collaboration with the private sector to drive economic growth and job creation.'
The Citizen
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Wackadoo! Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad Are coming to South Africa this winter holiday
Wackadoo! Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are coming to South Africa in the 2025 winter school holidays! For the first time ever, the hit theatre production Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show makes its African debut at Artscape, Cape Town on Thursday, 26 June, running until Sunday, 06 July 2025. The show then moves to The Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg from Wednesday, 09 July to Sunday, 20 July. Tickets are on sale now at and Bluey's Big Play is a theatrical adaptation of the BAFTA and Emmy® Award-winning animated children's television series produced by Ludo Studio. Now families in South Africa can experience the joy of seeing Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad in their first ever theatre show, featuring brilliantly created puppets, iconic sets, live actors and all-new music – it's Bluey like you've never seen it before, in real life and on stage. Read more: Support your local theatre The popularity of Bluey's Big Play knows no bounds, touring internationally across Australia, UK and Ireland, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Europe and North America. Kiddo Adventures gives Bluey's Big Play five stars while claiming it's 'A magical theatrical experience for fans of all ages' while Time Out says, 'This live adventure for fanatically beloved Australian hound Bluey is as authentic as it comes'. The Guardian best sums up the show by saying 'Puppy puppets' sweet show sets tails wagging'. Bluey's Big Play follows Bluey and her family through a full day from sunrise through to bedtime. When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Bluey's Big Play is an original story from creator Joe Brumm, with bespoke music from Bluey composer Joff Bush. The audio track for Bluey's Big Play is prerecorded and features original voices from the TV sensation, including the instantly recognisable voices of Dave McCormack and Melanie Zanetti as Dad and Mum. While the larger-than-life puppets are commanded by Bluey's Big Play's talented puppeteers, who bring Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad to life on stage. Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co and local live entertainment and show promoter, Showtime Management. Kate O'Connor, Director of Brands and Licensing BBC Studios ANZ, says: 'Following the incredible reaction to the live theatre show in North America, UK, Ireland, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Europe and Australia, we are so excited to bring Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show to fans in South Africa.' 'Bluey's Big Play has performed to a global audience including sell out seasons across Australia, USA and UK. The response has been extraordinary. We are so excited to now bring Bluey's Big Play to South African audiences this winter school holidays,' says Andrew Kay, Producer of Bluey's Big Play. 'We're thrilled to be bringing Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show to South Africa,' said Tony Feldman of Showtime Management who added: 'The response to the show from fans across Australia, North America and Europe has been nothing short of amazing and we can't wait for families in South Africa to experience all the fun and excitement of having Bluey and her family live on stage.' The stage show has enjoyed much success around the world, especially in Australia, where it premiered in Bluey's hometown Brisbane and went on to perform over 500 times across 65 venues, including the Sydney Opera House. Bluey's Big Play was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Family Show in 2024. Since bursting on to TV screens in Australia in 2018, Bluey has enjoyed a plethora of critical success at home and abroad, winning a 2022 BAFTA Children & Young People Award in the International category, a 2024 Kidscreen Award for Best Animated Series and picking up its consecutive fifth AACTA Best Children's Programme award to add to an International Emmy and numerous awards for craft and production around the world. According to Nielsen, Bluey is 2024's most-watched series globally on Disney+, and the year's No. 1 most-watched series on streaming to date through November among total viewers in the U.S., with more than 50.5 billion minutes watched[1]. In Australia, the show goes out on ABC where it is #1 kids show, and it is also rated #1 kids show on CBeebies and Disney+ in the UK[2]. In South Africa, Bluey is ranked #1 on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and CBeebies[3]. Tickets for Bluey's Big Play are available now and can be purchased at or the official, exclusive ticketing agent. Tickets purchased via any other platform will not be honoured. Each attendee irrespective of age must hold a valid ticket in any price category to Bluey's Big Play. A strictly limited number of Meet & Greet Packages are available for each show. The Meet & Greet includes a lanyard and the unique opportunity to meet Bluey after the show. Children are not allowed access without a VIP paid adult. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
Time Out
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Cape Town shines as global diversity hotspot
South Africans have long known that our cities are cultural crossroads - a mix of traditions, identities, languages and lived experiences that shape everything from our food to our festivals. Now, the world agrees. In Time Out's annual global city survey of over 18,000 people across 50 cities, Cape Town and Johannesburg have been jointly ranked ninth on the list of the world's most diverse and inclusive cities, according to locals. The list, topped by London, celebrates cities where people feel welcomed, represented and free to be themselves - and we're proud to be a beacon of belonging in the Global South. These are the most diverse and inclusive cities in the world London, UK Melbourne, Australia Brighton, UK = New York, USA Los Angeles, USA Chicago, USA Madrid, Spain Barcelona, Spain Bangkok, Thailand Johannesburg, South Africa= Cape Town, South Africa Montreal, Canada= Medellin, Colombia= Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia= San Francisco, USA What Makes Cape Town a Standout? Cape Town's inclusion on the list is a testament to its layered identity - beautiful and complex, shaped by centuries of cultural collision, resistance and reinvention. Here are three ways the Mother City is embodying a more inclusive spirit: 1. A Living Archive of Resistance and Representation From Robben Island to District Six, Cape Town's historical landmarks are not just tourist stops, but powerful reminders of struggle, displacement and the fight for dignity. Today, this legacy lives on in grassroots organisations, activist-led art spaces, and community museums that centre marginalised voices. 2. LGBTQ+ visibility and safer spaces Cape Town has long been known as South Africa's 'pink capital'. The list is a nod to the cities queer-friendly nightlife, inclusive events like Cape Town Pride, and safe spaces that range from community centres to cutting-edge drag shows. Ongoing work by local LGBTQ+ groups also pushes beyond visibility into advocacy and healthcare access in our city. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cape Town Pride (@capetownpride) 3. Cultural Neighbourhoods pushing artistic accessibility Each suburb tells its own story: the Cape Malay heritage of Bo-Kaap, the Afro-centric pride in Langa and Khayelitsha, and the coastal charm of communities like Muizenberg and Kalk Bay, where surf culture and township-run coffee shops co-exist. These layers are what make Cape Town's cultural landscape both challenging and extraordinary. Also, inclusive theatre productions at Artscape and the Baxter Theatre and contemporary African art at Zeitz MOCCA adds to the events designed to be accessible across income brackets and mobility levels. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Baxter (@baxtertheatre) A shared Honour with Jozi! Johannesburg's equal ranking comes as no surprise. Known as the country's financial engine and cultural nerve centre, the city pulses with Afro-urban energy, youth-led innovation and unapologetic authenticity. As cities around the world wrestle with rising inequality and cultural homogenisation, it's affirming to see two South African cities celebrated not just for their beauty or buzz - but for how they make their residents feel. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Johannesburg (@ Here at Time Out Cape Town we're excited to amplify these very aspects of our city. In our new Time Out Cape Town editorial series The Culture Edit, we're asking critical questions about the South African identity. What does inclusion look like beyond surface-level representation? And how do we avoid flattening cultures into commercial soundbites.
IOL News
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Experience the South African premiere of Everybody's Talking About Jamie
Everybody's Talking About Jamie will be performed from 9 to 19 July at Artscape Arena. Image: Supplied. The South African premiere of smash hit West End musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie is heading to the Artscape this July. Based on a true story, Everybody's Talking About Jamie is a bold, joyful, and deeply human musical about choosing to live out loud - even when the world tells you to stay quiet. Funny, and beautifully heartwarming, the production is more than a musical — it's a celebration of 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐘𝐎𝐔! Meet Jamie. He's 16. He's fabulous. And he's about to show the world what happens when you dare to dream out loud — in heels. Starring the talented students from Waterfront Theatre School, Everybody's Talking About Jamie features electrifying musical numbers and an honest, hilarious and heartfelt story about resilience and celebrating your individuality. Created by the same team behind last year's sold-out production of Heathers – The Musical, Everybody's Talking About Jamie brings together a powerhouse creative trio: acclaimed theatre-maker Paul Griffiths, accomplished musical director Garth Tavares, and dynamic choreographer Ursula Lubbe — each bringing their unique expertise and vibrant energy to this bold production. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Comments about the international production include a rare five stars from The Times; 'a touching, funny and joyous production' (The Observer) and 'funny, outrageous, touching… The show sends you out on a feel-good bubble of happiness' (The Daily Telegraph). It won Best New Musical at the What's On Stage Awards, as well as being nominated for a host of other awards. 'This musical is a celebration of how we can see parts of ourselves in others, embracing our differences and connecting with our similarities. We have an overwhelming capacity to accept,' says Director Paul Griffiths. 'It's a powerful coming of age story, wrapped up in humour, great music, emotion and exuberant energy that will inspire, entertain and make you laugh all at the same time.' 'Sometimes we wrestle with a world that only sees things in a particular dimension. Jamie bravely breaks barriers and becomes a hero for defying being put in a box that doesn't fit. He is the ultimate celebration of individuality.' The Waterfront Theatre School is a premier institution dedicated to nurturing the talents of aspiring performers. With a focus on comprehensive training in acting, singing, and dance, the school has produced numerous successful graduates who have gone on to achieve acclaim in the performing arts industry. Everybody's Talking About Jamie will be performed from 9 to 19 July. Tickets cost R200 and bookings can be made at Webtickets.
