Latest news with #MilkwoodTheatre
IOL News
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Shrek the Musical: a delightful escape at new Milkwood Theatre
The three Fionas in Shrek the Musical which is currently on at the Milkwood Theatre at Danville Park Girl's High School. Picture: Val Adamson Image: Val Adamson With an abundance of doom and gloom around us, it is fabulous to be part of a fearless display of reckless optimism: the opening of a brand-new theatre in the suburbs, and the staging of a happy feel-good musical with a huge cast of great kids. Cancel therapy and stop doom scrolling to revel in a few hours of unadulterated delight in the company of a grumpy ogre, a feisty princess, a chatty donkey, a fiery dragon and a frolic of fairytale friends in Shrek the Musical. Young Performers Project (YPP) is continually one of the city's brightest beacons with a slew of brilliant productions to its name. In recent years, its collaboration with ISPA (International School of Performing Arts) is inspired – adding another level of talent and experience into the mix. The winning recipe is – a top-notch production team of experts; a professional cast member (this time the ever-dependable Lyle Buxton); post matric aspirant performing arts students and a cast of primary and high school learners from a variety of schools who have auditioned to be part of the YPP company. The result is a highly professional production, with a multi-generational cast and excellent production standards. Shrek the Musical is the delightful, charming and hugely funny West End musical adaptation of the Dreamworks smash hit film. It is an excellent choice for YPP– its large ensemble cast of 36 kids, allows for plenty of moments for each of the children to shine. The character roles were all excellent. With just the right amount of familiarity referencing the much-loved animated movie, while still adding their own interpretation of their characters. And all of their international accents were spot on! Motor-mouthed Donkey (James Armstrong) did a great job harnessing his inner Eddie Murphy; Lord Farquaad (Damien Butt) has perfected the haughty head toss and throw-away lines while shuffling around on his knees; Pinocchio (Matthew Brown), in his pink crocs, was great fun with his ever-growing proboscis and squeaky voice; and the tall and imposing Daniel Mayiza was a hoot as the Big Bad Wolf. I was particularly impressed by Gingy – the Gingerbread wo/man. Anele Mtshali has an amazing confident voice and great presence, as do all the Fionas. There are three Princess Fionas per show (and alternating casts) representing young Fiona, teenage Fiona and adult Fiona. They were great together in their joint show stopping number, 'I Know It's Today'. Chloe Marot as adult Fiona is just lovely – just the right mix of feisty and vulnerable. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ The cast of Shrek the Musical. Picture: Val Adamson Image: Val Adamson
IOL News
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
May 3: What's on in Durban
Andrew Gilder as The Fairy God Mother, Mahlatse Sachane as the Prince and Kiana Prinsloo as Cinderella in the ballet The Abba Show: A Cinderella Story coming to the Milkwood Theatre next weekend. Image: Supplied MARKETS Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market: Spend time with family (pets included) and friends outdoors. Traders sell everything from fresh produce and deli food to arts and crafts. Walk the short nature trail or have a zipline adventure. Open rain or shine, and wheelchair accessible from 7am to 1pm. Musgrave Market: Head to Berea Park for food, music, arts and crafts. From 9am to 2pm. Glenwood Street Market: Community market at 106 Bulwer Road, 8am to 2pm. WhatsApp 061 663 9430. Buzz Market: Community market at 38 Pitlochry Road, Westville, 9am to 2pm. Ballito Farmers Market: More than 150 traders offer fresh farm produce, cut flowers and a nursery, retail, fashion, kids' entertainment, art, hobbies, crafted goods and lifestyle products. R103 at Umhlali. 7am to 2pm. Harlequins Flea Market: Every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. New vendors welcome. WhatsApp 083 595 7033 or email harlequinsmarket@ Rotary Uvongo Flea Market: Crafts, toys, bead work, wire work, clothing and food every Saturday from 8.30am to 1pm and Sunday 9am to 2pm, opposite Douglas Mitchell Sports Grounds. Call 082 829 0059. Golden Hours Market: (tomorrow) Family-friendly market at Golden Hours School, 10am to 2pm. Live music and food stalls. Call 083 262 3693. Macnut Farm, Assagay: (tomorrow) Fresh produce market for locals, 11am to 2pm. Sunday lunch, drinks and bar. Call 031 765 2572 or 074 603 0000. uMhlanga Farmers Market: Autumn Drive, Prestondale, every Wednesday from 8am to noon. Call Ethel at 060 303 3957. La Lucia Antiques Fair: Province's premier antiques fair offers a feast of fun, funky and forgotten treasures from yesteryear. From the gloriously grand to the quixotic and quirky. Sunday May 4 from 9am to 4pm on the lower ground floor of the La Lucia Mall. DUT students perform in the show Umhlaba Uyalila / The Earth is Weeping at the Court Yard Theatre. Image: Val Adamson 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ SHOWS Milkwood Theatre, Durban North: (today and tomorrow) The Young Performers Project presents Shrek the Musical. This will be a treat for all the family as the show opens the new Milkwood Theatre at Danville School, Durban North. Until May 4 with shows in the evening and daytime. Bookings via Webtickets. Milkwood Theatre, Durban North: Mzansi Ballet presents the fun and fabulous ballet The Abba Show: A Cinderella Story which blends the music of Abba with the fairytale of Cinderella. Combining Abba and Cinderella is a delicious marriage of two timeless, cultural institutions creating an ingenious blend of sumptuous ballet told to a familiar, hum-along soundtrack. Catch it at 7.30pm Friday May 16; 3pm and 7.30pm Saturday, May 17; 3pm Sunday, May 18. Tickets R200 / R150 for pensioners and students through Webtickets. Lovers of ballet are invited to the regional finals of the 12th South African International Ballet Competition on May 17 from 9am until 11am at the theatre. Tickets through Webtickets. DUT Courtyard Theatre: Umhlaba Uyalila / The Earth is Weeping is the second-year drama students shining a spotlight on the environment and climate change in their social-justice themed original multi-genre production. The creative team behind the concept is Dr Tamar Meskin who is responsible for developing the script; choreography is by Mdu Mtshali and musical direction is by Zenneth Cibane. Durban photographer Val Adamson has been working on a photo essay used as a photographic exhibition and incorporated into the production. May 14 to 16 May at 6pm. Tickets: R50/ students R30 from secretary Bawinile at 031 373 2194, email: BawinileM1@ or at the door. The Durban City Orchestra performs in Kloof and Umhlanga this month. Image: Supplied MUSIC Tropical Nites Theatre, Wild Coast: (today) An evening of music, rhythm, and pure magic as Olefied Khetha performs on Saturday, 3 May 2025 at 6pm. Tickets from R150 from Computicket. Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, UKZN: (tomorrow) The centre has been celebrating jazz this week around National Jazz Day. In the final concert on Sunday May 4 at Dukkah student ensembles take to the stage in a community-rooted fundraiser for their journey to the National Arts Festival in Makhanda. NGK Krantzkloof, Kloof: (tomorrow) The Durban City Orchestra will perform a captivating programme from Mozart, Coleridge-Taylor and Mussorgsky along with the debut of a new Spring overture. Tsepho Ntswelengwe will perform the Mozart Horn Concerto. Sunday 4 May at 3pm at 17 Longwood Road, Kloof. Tickets from Quicket. Also at the NG Kerk, Umhlanga on Saturday May 17 at 3pm. St Agnes Church, Kloof: Pianist Chris Duigan performs The Intimate Art - a beautiful selection of classical masterpieces that includes a selection of Schubert's Impromptus, Liszt's Sposalizio, Chopin's Barcarolle and Mozart's Rondo K511. Tuesday May 6 at 7pm. Tickets R130 include tea/coffee. Booking is preferred via WhatsApp 083 417 4473 or booking@ Durban Girls' College Centenary Hall: a Musical Extravaganza with the KZN Youth Orchestra and various Durban Girls ensembles at Durban Girls College. This is an annual collaboration featuring the senior primary choir, and orchestra and their high school choir and orchestra. Friday May 9 at 6 pm. Tickets R100/R50 for pensioners and scholars from Quicket. Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, UKZN: Award-winning South African drummer and composer Kesivan Naidoo, and his ensemble, Kesivan & The Lights, are on a national tour to honour South Africa's rich jazz heritage to celebrate 30 years of democracy. May 7 at 6pm. Tickets R65-R130 from webtickets. Howard College Theatre: A concert of music for violin and piano performed by Evgeny Zhdanov (violin) and Andrew Warburton (piano) on Saturday May 10 at 7pm. They will perform rarely performed works by Janacek, Schnittke and Cesar Francl. Prelude performer is Aran Singh. Tickets R100 at the door. Call Andrew Warburton on 082 853 4540. Coffeeberry Cafe, Pietermaritzburg: A Musical Evening with Christopher Duigan sees one of SA's leading pianists playing classics from around the world. Thursday May 15 at 6pm. Tickets R220 from info@ The cafe will be open for food orders. ART KZNSA: New exhibition opened last night. groundWork: 25 Years of Activism for Environmental Justice is a collaboration with activists and professional workers from groundWork, offering a profound exploration of the organisation's rich and impactful history. Curated by Vaughn Sadie, drawing from the extensive resources of groundWork's archive, the exhibition is a powerful testament to community resilience, activism, and advocacy. Sadie will do a walkabout in the gallery today between 10am and noon. Ends June 8. Today the gallery will host the TINZ POP UP MARKET from 10am to 3pm. Kids activities, food and drinks on site. Woza Moya Gallery, Hillcrest: The exhibition Behind Closed Doors opened last night. Features the work of artist Sinethemba Ndimande, and photographers Masibulele Nako and Manelisi Nene. FILM Rhumbelow, Durban: (tomorrow) Catch the Royal Ballet's take on the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet where the Capulets and Montagues are sworn enemies, yet it is love at first sight for Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet when they meet each other at the Capulet ball, May 4 at 2pm. Tickets R175 from Roland on email at roland@ or webtickets
IOL News
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
April 26: What's on in Durban
Singer and jazz teacher Natalie Rungan will perform in a showcase to celebrate International Jazz Day. Markets Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market: Spend time with family (pets included) and friends outdoors. Traders sell everything from fresh produce and deli food to arts and crafts. Walk the short nature trail or have a zipline adventure. Open rain or shine, and wheelchair accessible from 7am to 1pm. Hillcrest Corner Antique Fair: (today) Dealers will be selling an array of antiques and collectables including: silver, linen, books, porcelain, beautiful murano glass, jewellery etc. on Saturday April 26 from 9am to 3pm at Hillcrest Corner Shopping Mall. Contact Helen Clementz for further details: 084 241 0241 Musgrave Market: Head to Berea Park for food, music, arts and crafts. From 9am to 2pm. Buzz Market: Community market at 38 Pitlochry Road, Westville, 9am to 2pm. Ballito Farmers Market: More than 150 traders offer fresh farm produce, cut flowers and a nursery, retail, fashion, kids' entertainment, art, hobbies, crafted goods and lifestyle products. R103 at Umhlali. 7am to 2pm. Harlequins Flea Market: Every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. New vendors welcome. WhatsApp 083 595 7033 or email harlequinsmarket@ Rotary Uvongo Flea Market: Crafts, toys, bead work, wire work, clothing and food every Saturday from 8.30am to 1pm and Sunday 9am to 2pm, opposite Douglas Mitchell Sports Grounds. Call 082 829 0059. Golden Hours Market: (tomorrow) Family-friendly market at Golden Hours School, 10am to 2pm. Live music and food stalls. Call 083 262 3693. Macnut Farm, Assagay: (tomorrow) Fresh produce market for locals, 11am to 2pm. Sunday lunch, drinks and bar. Call 031 765 2572 or 074 603 0000. uMhlanga Farmers Market: Autumn Drive, Prestondale, every Wednesday from 8am to noon. Call Ethel at 060 303 3957. La Lucia Antiques Fair: Province's premier antiques fair offers a feast of fun, funky and forgotten treasures from yesteryear. From the gloriously grand to the quixotic and quirky. Sunday May 4 from 9am to 4pm on the lower ground floor of the La Lucia Mall. SHOWS Milkwood Theatre, Danville: (today and tomorrow) The Young Performers Project presents Shrek the Musical. This will be a treat for all the family as the show opens the new Milkwood Theatre at Danville School, Durban North. Until May 4 with shows in the evening and daytime. Bookings via Webtickets. MUSIC All Souls Anglican Church, Salt Rock: (tomorrow) Pianist Chris Duigan performs The Intimate Art, a beautiful selection of poetic and intimate classical masterpieces including Schubert impromptus and Chopin's Barcarolle. April 27 at 3pm. Tickets R150. Also at St Agnes Church, Kloof on May 6 at 7pm, tickets R130. Bookings via WhatsApp 083 417 4473 or booking@ Umfolozi Hotel Casino Convention Resort: (today) A spectacular Freedom Day Concert featuring the acclaimed Empangeni High School Choir and the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra. Highlights include Qinisela Sibisi's evocative Zulu Mass for choir and orchestra as well as timeless compositions by Mozart, Vivaldi, and more. April 26 at 3pm. Tickets R300 from Quicket. Jewish Club: (tomorrow) Friends of Music will present its first programme this year with an exciting programme of virtuoso piano and violin played by Andrew Warburton and Evgeny Zhahanov. They will perform music from Faure, Franck and Starvinsky. Sunday April 27 at 2.20pm. Tickets R140 at the door. St James Church, Morningside: (tomorrow) Baroque 2000 presents a concert featuring Vivaldi's Four Seasons with Ralitza Macheva on violin. April 27 at 3pm. Tickets at the door R180. Children enter free. Guarded parking in Venice or Sir Arthur roads. Contact: Michel on 082 303 5241. Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, UKZN: In the spirit of International Jazz Day on April 30 the centre presents a series of events celebrating jazz. As part of the programme, a series of live online conversations will bring together industry experts to unpack topics. Join the dialogue on Monday 28 April, Thursday 1 May, and Friday 2 May at 11am, streamed via the centre's Facebook page: Featured performances include a Vocal Showcase at the centre on April 30 featuring vocalist and educator Natalie Rungan, and UKZN Jazz Vocalists. On May 2 the Bean Bag Jazz Club highlights composer-pianist Burton Naidoo and on May 4 at Dukkah student ensembles take to the stage in a community-rooted fundraiser for their journey to the National Arts Festival in Makhanda. Tropical Nites Theatre, Wild Coast: An evening of music, rhythm, and pure magic as Olefied Khetha performs on Saturday, 3 May 2025 at 6pm. Tickets from R150 from Computicket. ART KZNSA: Two exhibitions running; In the main gallery is Transformative Journeys through Mentorship, a project of the collective Unlearn to Learn that challenges traditional educational paradigms by promoting personal and communal growth through mentorship. In the Mezzanine Gallery is New Abstractions, a solo exhibition of paintings by Austin Konchira. Ends tomorrow. Woza Moya Gallery, Hillcrest; The exhibition Behind Closed Doors opened last night. Features the work of artist Sinethemba Ndimande, and photographers Masibulele Nako and Manelisi Nene. FILM Alliance Francaise: Film club this week features Juliette in Spring by Blandine Lenoir. The 2023 movie features a star ensemble cast and is a dramedy about a young woman's attempt to reconnect with her family on an eventful trip home. Tuesday April 29 at 6pm. Rhumbelow, Durban: Catch the Royal Ballet's take on the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet where the Capulets and Montagues are sworn enemies, yet it is love at first sight for Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet when they meet each other at the Capulet ball, May 4 at 2pm. Tickets R175 from Roland on email at roland@ or webtickets OUTDOORS Amblers Hiking Club: (tomorrow) At 2pm hike Bartlett Estates. Meet on the verge outside the old Inchanga Hotel. Cost R20. Light pub supper afterwards at Hayways. Call David at 072 615055. Recycles Group: Meet at 9am on Tuesdays at the parking area behind Pirates life saving club. For a 20 km ride on the promenade. Open to beginners, sociable, safe and an option for a breakfast at Pirates coffee shop. Call Ian to join on 083 675 2125. Retreads walking group: Join for a 3 or 5 km social walk on Tuesdays at 9am on the promenade followed with an option of breakfast at Pirates. Call Michele on 083 779 7443 Mountain Biking Rides: Saturdays at 6am, meet at Dura Cycles, Uvongo. Call 039 315 7359. Alliance Francaise: Mindful movement practice with Ruhi takes place every Saturday morning at 9am. Entry R120 which includes your morning coffee. To book call 069 913 3869. EVENTS Easter Extravaganza: A host of fun beachside games and activities with free participation for all, and some great prizes. Includes beach volleyball, beach soccer, beach touch rugby, hula hoops, musical freeze, musical chairs, sandcastle building, treasure hunts, balloon blow ups, cone diving competitions, and more. At the Wild Coast Sun, Ramsgate Main Beach, Margate/Lucien Main Beach, St Michael's Main Beach and Uvongo Main Beach. Ends tomorrow. Visit Northwood Crusaders Sports Club: (tomorrow) Almost 50 dangerously hot Carolina Reaper chillis were consumed by a champion competitor in Cape Town two weeks ago, setting a sizzling standard for The Great East Coast Chilli Festival on April 26 from 9am to 4pm. Firmly established as Durban's hottest culinary event, the festival is set to attract national competitors, spice enthusiasts, food lovers, thrill-seekers and families. Apart from the main chilli eating competition, you can look forward to the fastest bunny chow eating event, chilli demonstrations, a fun-filled Kids Zone, an inviting Chill Zone, celebrity influencer appearances and thrilling stage performances. Tickets from Quicket. Send your event details to satevents@ by the Tuesday before publication.
