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Shrek the Musical – Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre: 23 May – 28 June 2015

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Make room for ogre-sized family fun as the greatest fairy-tale never told comes to life in KickstArt’s breath-taking West End musical adaptation of the hit movie Shrek! which comes to the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 23 May until 28 June.

KickstArt Theatre proudly presents the South African premier of this fabulous, fun, charming and hugely funny musical starring: Lyle Buxton in the title role; Rory Booth as Donkey and Jessica Sole as Princess Fiona. Also in the cast are Jacobus van Heerden as the diminutive Lord Farquaad; Graeme Wicks as Pinocchio; Charon Williams Ros as Gingy the Gingerbread Man and Peter Court as the ferocious fire-breathing dragon…. with a huge cast of fairytale characters, and a chorus of tap dancing rats!!

Shrek The Musical is directed by Steven Stead, designed by Greg King, choreographed by Janine Bennewith, lighting by Tina le Roux with musical direction by Shelley McLean. It is based on the 2001 Dream Works film Shrek! and William Steig’s 1990 book Shrek! The musical adaptation has book and lyrics by David Lindsay Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori.

Lyle Buxton in the title role as Shrek. Photo by: Val Adamson

Lyle Buxton in the title role as Shrek. Photo by: Val Adamson

Shrek the Musical has become a global phenomenon with productions staged internationally including on West End and Broadway. It now comes to Durban. With an enormous cast, a fabulous score; speedy set changes; extravagant costumes, prosthetics and make-up – this is quite possibly the most challenging and elaborate production yet to be staged by multi-award winning producers, KickstArt. It promises to be quite extraordinary, deliciously funny and a joyous romp for the whole family!

The story revolves around a benign ogre named Shrek who lives contentedly alone in a swamp. However, his solitude is disrupted when a band of disgruntled fairytale creatures show up on his property after having been banished from the Kingdom of Duloc, on pain of death, by the evil Lord Farquaad.

Irritated by having to share his swamp, Shrek journeys to see Farquaad  with the intention of regaining his privacy. On the road, he rescues a talkative donkey who insists on tagging along to show him the way. Shrek and Donkey arrive in Duloc where Farquaad demands that Shrek rescue his intended, Princess Fiona. The two unlikely friends set off to save Fiona. After a quest involving a fire-eating dragon, Princess Fiona is “rescued” from the tower by Shrek. On the way back to Duloc, Shrek and Princess Fiona get better acquainted and Donkey tries, unsuccessfully, to match-make them.

As Princess Fiona and Lord Farquaad are about to be married, there is an uprising from the fairytale characters, and Princess Fiona realises that Lord Farqaad is perhaps not her champion after all. And in the tradition of all good fairy stories, the villain is vanquished, the hero finds true love, and they all live happily ever after…

Booking is now open at Computicket. For block bookings of 10 or more, contact Ailsa Windsor of Going Places: 083 250 2690 or editor.goingplacessa@gmail.com

Tues-Sat @ 7pm

Sat and Sun @ 2.30pm

NO CHILDREN UNDER 4 YEARS

Duration: 2 hours 30 min including 20 minute interval

 

 

Discounted tickets, and family packages for family of four / five people offered for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday performances @ 7pm, until 18 June.

There is a special Youth Day performance on Tuesday 16 June at 1.30pm.

Check out the YouTube insert: https://youtu.be/TrEKpGCQA84

Durbanite
Author: Durbanite

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Entertainment

A Celebration of Love – KZN Philharmonic

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Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra at a magical afternoon concert set in the tranquil surrounds of St Agnes Church, Kloof.

“A Celebration of Love” conducted by Chad Hendricks, brings together lush orchestral music with romantic favourites, and two outstanding soloists, Njabulo Nzuza and Andile Ndlela for an uplifting Valentine’s experience.

The concert includes music by Mozart, Dvorák, and Tchaikovsky, alongside well-loved classics such as Moon River, Can’t Help Falling in Love, Make You Feel My Love, Beneath Your Beautiful, and South African favourites.

Food stalls will be available offering pizza, mocktails, and sweet & savoury love boxes, creating a relaxed and festive Valentine’s afternoon.

Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends, or simply your love of beautiful music, this concert promises an elegant and heartfelt afternoon.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, 14 February
  • Time: 16h30
  • Venue: St Agnes Church, 53 Abelia Road, Kloof
  • Tickets: from R100 & available via Quicket

Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with live music, romance, and the magic of the Orchestra.

Stand a chance to WIN two tickets to the Valentines Day Concert – A Celebration of Love with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra valued at R300 -> ENTER HERE <-

Carla Wynne
Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

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Attractions

Familie Fest 2026

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Familie Fest 2026 Brings Live Music and Family Fun to Hillcrest

Everything You Need to Know About Familie Fest 2026

Familie Fest arrives in Hillcrest for a full weekend of live music, family-friendly entertainment and relaxed festival energy, taking place on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 May 2026 at NU Driving Range.

Designed as an all-ages outdoor music festival, Familie Fest brings together South African artists, open space, activities for kids and adults, and a format that allows families and friend groups to spend the entire day together without feeling rushed.

Event Details

Date: Friday 29 & Saturday 30 May 2026
Venue: NU Driving Range Fields, Hillcrest
Time: From 10am daily
Age Restriction: All ages
Bar Area: Over 18s only

Tickets available via:
Familie Fest Website
Webtickets
Utickets

Ticket Pricing

• Kids under 4: Free
• Kids 4–12: From R129
• Teens 13–17: From R145
• Adults: From R199 to R245

Group Ticket Specials

• Buy 5 tickets, get 1 free: R1,250
• Buy 9 tickets, get 1 free:  R2,100

Group tickets are limited and valid for adults or kids.

Camping add-ons are available separately and include access to a secure camp zone with toilets, showers, lighting and security.

Line-up (More to Be Announced)

The initial line-up includes a mix of established and popular South African acts:

• Francois van Coke
• Kurt Darren
• Van Pletzen
• Veranda Panda
• Appel

Friday features acoustic-focused sessions, while Saturday hosts the main acts. Additional artists will be announced closer to the event.

What to Expect

Familie Fest is structured as a full-day festival rather than an evening-only concert, with gates opening at 10am and activities running throughout the day and into the evening.

Across the festival grounds, attendees can expect:
• Live music performances
• A dedicated kids zone
• Arts and crafts activities
• Food and drink vendors
• Potjie competitions
• Access to the driving range
• Putt putt, go-karts and paintball
• Optional secure camping facilities

The layout allows families to spread out, relax and move between music, activities and rest areas at their own pace.

What You Can and Can’t Bring

Allowed:
Umbrellas, camp chairs, blankets, gazebos, bags, towels, baby gear.

Not Allowed:
Cooler boxes, outside food and drink, weapons, fireworks, sound systems, pets, sports or play equipment, bikes or braais.

Camp Zone Only:
Cooler boxes, food and drink, and braais are permitted within the designated camping area.

Why Familie Fest Works

Familie Fest positions itself as a genuinely inclusive festival, catering to families with young children, teens, and adults who want to enjoy live music without the pressure of a late-night-only format. With space to move, activities beyond the main stage, and a line-up that appeals across age groups, it offers a different kind of festival experience for the KZN calendar.

For families looking to introduce kids to live music, groups planning a social weekend, or anyone wanting an outdoor festival that runs at a comfortable pace, Familie Fest ticks all the right boxes.

mrjoelmagic
Author: mrjoelmagic

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Art

BUMP & GRIND this Valentines!

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Durban comedy favourites Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert-McIlroy return to The Rhumbelow Theatre, in Umbilo this Valentines weekend with their new musical comedy –  BUMP & GRIND, a high-energy musical sketch comedy that delivers a riotous mix of song, dance, quick-fire character comedy and heart.

Expect new characters, old favourites, 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!

Back by popular demand are 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 Valentines fun!

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: The Rhumbelow Theatre, Umbilo
  • Dates: Friday 13 & Saturday 14 Feb – 7:30pm (doors open 6pm) | Sunday 15 Feb 2026 – 2pm (doors open 12.30pm)
  • Tickets: From R180pp
  • Bookings: Webtickets

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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Carla Wynne
Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

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