Entertainment
Sweeney Todd Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, UKZN: 8 – 24 August
Photos: Val Adamson
From the company that brought Durban the dark and smoldering grown-up musical, Cabaret, comes another ground breaking and unmissable theatrical experience by KickstArt: Sweeney Todd hits the stage Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre stage on UKZN campus from 8 – 24 August.
A regular penny-dreadful, this musical noir thriller by contemporary American musical-theatrical genius, Stephen Sondheim, features one of the greatest musical theatre scores ever written. It tells the bizarre tale of the outlandish urban legend of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, who famously murdered his clients in his barber’s chair, where-after his whacky neighbour, and partner-in-crime, Mrs Lovett, turned them into much sough-after meat-pies.
Sweeney Todd looks at what drives a man to this sort of extreme and considers what tragedy lies in his dark and mysterious past. This gripping, often hilarious, musical features such classic songs as ‘Pretty Women’; ‘Johanna’; ‘Not While I’m Around’; ‘By the Sea’ and ‘A Little Priest’.
Sweeney Todd won both the Tony Award and the Olivier Award when it was first produced in 1979, and is now also a major motion picture by Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham-Carter, Alan Rickman and Sacha Baron Cohe delicious as the sly fop Pirelli.
This KickstArt production stars Johannesburg musical theatre star, Jason Ralph in the title role, and local favourite, Charon Williams-Ros as Mrs. Lovett. Others in the cast include Lyle Buxton as the strapping young sailor, Anthony, and sweet-voiced Johannesburg soprano, Sanli Jooste as his beloved Johanna. Bryan Hiles plays the simpleton, Tobias, well-loved Durban bass, Richard Salmon returns to the stage as the evil Judge Turpin, Danilo Antonelli (currently on scholarship at Regent’s College, London) makes a flamboyant Pirelli, Liesl Coppin plays the enigmatic Beggar Woman and Darren King the odious Beadle.
This major theatrical event will be directed by Steven Stead, with set designs by Greg King, and costumes designs by Neil Stuart Harris. Musical direction by Shelley McLean and Justin Southey. Lighting is by Tina le Roux.
Booking is through Computicket. For block bookings of 10 or more, or sold performances and early bird specials, please contact Ailsa Windsor of Going Places: 0832502690 or editor.goingplacessa@gmail..
For more information about KickstArt or to join our mailing list, please visit our website atwww.kickstarttheatre.co.za, or find us on Facebook: KickstArt Theatre Productions and Friends of KickstArt. Follow us on Twitter @KickstartProd1.
Author: Durbanite
Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
Back by popular demand, Durban comedy favourites Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert-McIlroy return to the Northlands Bowling Club, in Durban North for audiences who missed the show the first time around.
Expect old favourite characters and a soundtrack packed with thumping hits as McIlroy and Bobbert once again deliver their trademark blend of side-splitting humour, larger-than-life personalities, and musical mayhem!
Some characters to expect; Bruce and Charmaine as unforgettable Elvis impersonators, Dot and Max settling into the chaos of retirement village life, and everyone’s favourite philosopher of the people, Dr Veejay, offering his “words of wisdom.” Add in a host of hilarious new faces, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a fun night out!
Directed and choreographed by the sensational Daisy Spencer, Bump and Grind promises to keep audiences on their feet — or rolling in the aisles — with laughter, music, and McIlroy & Bobbert’s unbeatable comic chemistry.
- Venue: Northlands Bowling Club, Durban North
- Dates: Friday 27 & Saturday 28 March – 7:30pm (doors open 6pm) | Sunday 29 March 2026 – 6:30pm (doors open 5pm)
- Tickets: R220pp
- Bookings: Webtickets – BOOK HERE
Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or coming back for more, this is a musical comedy experience not to be missed.
Other Info to Note:
- Picnic baskets welcome
- Food and Drink on sale at the venue
- Full bar available (no alcohol may be brought onto the premises)
- Limited secure parking available
- All seats are allocated by the theatre management
- Tables seat 8
- Wheelchair friendly venue – contact 082 499 8636 to make arrangements
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Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
Stand a chance to WIN 4x tickets to the OPENING NIGHT on Thursday 2 April 2026.🙌
• Tag someone who also wants to go
Don’t want to leave it up to luck? Tickets are on sale via Webtickets here
Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
