3 unmissable festive season shows in Joburg that will leave you spellbound

With the festive season just weeks away, celebratory moods are kicking in. 

As such, you don’t want to miss the following stage productions, which truly spread the holiday cheer. 

Pinocchio

In the theatre world, a pantomime is a must-see year-end wrap. And in Johannesburg, Janice Honeyman is celebrated as a doyen in this space. 

This year, she has given us “Pinocchio”. However, if you haven’t gotten around to watching it yet, make a plan to do so. It’s one of the most infectious, spellbinding offerings you will watch.

In fact, after this show, pantomimes will become a staple on your annual calendar.

In Honeyman’s 38th pantomime to date, Bongi Archi slips into the skin of a doting toymaker father, Geppetto Spoletto, with Katlego Nche playing Pinocchio.

This tale centres on a playful puppet named Pinocchio, who yearns to become a real boy. 

Spreading a little magic is Gina Shmukler as The Blue Fairy of Goodness Gracious, while Sandi Dlangalala channels the kind-hearted Jiminy. 

Other notable characters include the over-the-top Italian mama, Dame Arletti Spaghetti (Tiaan Rautenbach), Mark Richardson as Strombolio, Luciano Zuppa as Masterigo and Fiddelomino, Brenda Radloff as Ill Fortunato Fox, Camilla Waldman as Pussy Galore and Lesedi Rich as Lampwick, to mention a few. 

Honeyman shared: “‘Pinocchio’ was the first live children’s play I saw - at the age of 6 - and it made a vivid impression on me!” 

“All these years later, I’m still digging and delving into this story, trying to conjure all its fun, humour, detail, atmosphere, and the host of rich lessons Carlo Collodi has to teach.”

She continued: “There’s music, dance, comedy, a puppet show, journeys into scary areas, and adventures into unknown zones. And everything Pinocchio experiences, you can take part in, too.

It’s such an immersive experience that you leave in high spirits. 

Where: Mandela Stage at Joburg Theatre.

When: Runs until December 24, 7pm. Times vary on the weekend.

The Jingle Belles

Written and directed by Emma Ambe,  “The Jingle Belles is a dazzling production, offering a whiff of nostalgia.

Set in the 1960s, The Marvelous Wonderettes is at the heart of this production. 

It is centred on four lively young women, who are preparing to bring sparkle and joy to Springfield High’s annual tree-decorating ceremony with their performances.

Audiences will be tapping their toes to well-known tracks such as "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree," "Santa Baby," "Jingle Bell Rock," and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," among many others.

It’s a feel-good and inspiring show that is perfect for the whole family. 

Where: Theatre on the Square.

When: Runs until December 14, 7.30pm.

Afrocalypse

This energetic and hugely imaginative production follows the journey of a group of storytellers in an apocalyptic setting as they share their fables of hope and resilience. 

The ensemble of fourteen performers in 'Afropocalypse' vividly portrays the past, present, and speculative future through a lens of physical comedy and tragic magic realism. 

Where: Mannie Manim, Market Theatre.

When: Runs until December 7, 7pm. PG-10.