The authentic Barnyard Theatre returns to Durban and will be opening at Suncoast soon!
The Barnyard Theatre is returning to Durban with the launch of its new venue at the renowned SUNCOAST Casino Hotels & Entertainment – a member of the prestigious Tsogo Sun Group.
The planned opening date is 12 December 2018 and bookings go live 29 June 2018. SUNCOAST and Barnyard have excellent synergies and both parties look forward to a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship. This will be the third Barnyard Theatre to open at a Tsogo Sun Entertainment destination, following the opening of Silverstar and Gold Reef City Barnyard Theatres.
The SUNCOAST Barnyard will be under new management and will fall within the same ownership umbrella as the rest of the venues currently in the Barnyard Group (not franchised). Durbanites can look forward to an excellent show experience and the same wooden interior and casual seating-style that creates the distinct ambiance, unique to the Barnyard Theatre.
The Barnyard Group is passionate about local artists and musicians and entertaining audiences across South Africa. They are extremely excited to return to Durban with an incredible show line-up, including new Barnyard Productions as well as local bands and comedians.
The addition of the Barnyard Theatre to SUNCOAST, Durban’s premier entertainment destination, forms part of the extensive refurbishments that have been underway over the last year. “Live shows six days a week at the Barnyard Theatre will add a whole new dimension to our already extensive offerings,” comments Louise Howell, SUNCOAST Marketing Manager, “and promoting local talent, fits in well with our existing philosophy.”
The new Barnyard Theatre Suncoast will include an in-house catering division with pizzas, snack baskets, platters, buffet options and more for sale to patrons attending shows. This unique theatre experience provides the perfect night out with live entertainment for couples, families and friends. The Barnyard Theatres are also ideal for birthday parties, fundraising events, corporate functions, client entertainment, day conferencing and more.
SUNCOAST Barnyard’s launch show info:
This exquisite new venue will launch on 12 December with their highly acclaimed, hit show – Big Top Rock. Get ready for the ultimate rock ‘n roll circus show, a fusion of live rock music and breath-taking acrobatic acts.
Tickets, dates and time for Big Top Rock:
12 December 2018 to 10 March 2019
Tuesdays, 19:30, R165 buy one get one free
Wednesdays, 19:30, R165pp
Thursdays, 19:30, R165pp
Fridays, 20:00, R165pp
Saturday, 20:00, R165pp
Sundays, 14:00, R130pp, plus Pensioners 50% OFF, plus *Kids under 12 FREE *two kids per paying, full price – adult.
SHUT UP & DANCE (Barnyard’s hit kids production)
Kidz Rock presents a brand new fantastic show called Shut Up & Dance – paying tribute to the greatest dance hits. Shut Up & Dance features a live band with three dancers and three singers getting the party started! The show features music by Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Selena Gomez, Meghan Trainor, DNCE, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, OMI and many more.
Tickets, dates and time for Shut up and Dance:
Selected Saturday afternoon shows, Saturday 15 Dec 2018 to Saturday 12 January 2019, 14:00, R120pp
Fishy Fable: Inspired by Hans Christian Andersens’ beloved fairy tale, and based on the classic animated Disney movie, The Little Mermaid Jr stage musical is The Young Performer’s Project’sfirst show of 2026, coming to The Milkwood Theatre in Durban North over the Easter holidays from 2 – 12 April 2026.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages – perfect for the youthful 50 strong cast. This time around, the show features 30 senior performers, and 21 junior performers.
The Little Mermaid Jr is directed by Daisy Spencer, with choreography by Evashnee Pillay, music direction by Des Govender, sound design by Ant Govender, set and prop design by Nicolene Steyn and fabulous under the sea inspired costumes by Kathy Singery.
The cast includes Ariel played by Chloe Marot from St. Mary’s DSG (last seen in Shrek and Annie); Sebastian is Khethukuthula Ngcobo (I.S.P.A) and Flounder is played by Azania Mavimbela (Crawford North Coast).
In a heartwarming full circle moment, Azania’s mother Sindi, a current drama teacher, reflected on her own experience as a participant in YPP’s 2009 production of Big River, directed by Themi Venturas. Her daughter Azania, who entered the project seventeen years later as a Junior performer in A Fairytale Christmas Carol, is a testament to the organization’s lasting influence. This poignant connection also highlights the profound impact of YPP’s programmes on the lives of its alumni who are giving back to their communities as arts educators.
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersens’ beloved fairy tale, and based on the classic animated Disney movie, The Little Mermaid Jr tells of a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find true love.
Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colourful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr offers a fantastic creative opportunity for rich costumes and sets, as well as the chance to perform some of the best-known songs from the past 30 years. Songs include: “Under the Sea“; “Kiss the Girl“; and “Part of Your World“.
Written by Doug Wright, with music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.
Tickets are through Webtickets here. Their first show is a special Relaxed Performance on Thursday 2 April at 2.30 where theatre etiquette guidelines are relaxed and the performance is consciously calmed, where the auditorium lights are dimmed, but not dark and the audiencemeetthe characters ahead of time. This Relaxed Performance is ideal for audience members with sensory sensitivities. For all performances, audiences are welcome to dress up as the cast.
Under the baton of Japanese conductor Yasuo Shinozaki, the opening programme features Canadian cello virtuoso Bryan Cheng performing Saint-Saëns’s demanding and innovative Cello Concerto No. 2. Britten’s Simple Symphony provides a lyrical interlude, followed by Saint-Saëns’s dramatic Cello Concerto No. 1. After the interval, Schubert’s beloved “Unfinished” Symphony brings the evening to a melodic close.
Concert 2: 12 March
Under the baton of South African conductor Conrad van Alphen, this programme features Bulgarian world-renowned virtuoso pianist and chamber musician, Ludmil Angelov.
From 21 February – 31 May 2026, Step into a world where the roar of electric guitars collides with the gasp of the crowd — Big Top Rockis back, bigger, bolder, and more breathtaking than ever!
This is no ordinary concert. It’s a full-throttle rock and roll circus spectacular — a high-voltage fusion of iconicanthems, jaw-dropping aerialartistry, and an atmosphere so electric you’ll feel it in your bones. From the first crashing chord to the final heart-pounding encore, you’ll be swept into a whirlwind of sound, light, and pure adrenaline.
The Soundtrack of Six Decades
Let our charismatic Big Top Ringmaster lead you through a sonic time machine — from the thunder of Def Leppard and AC/DC to the soaring harmonies of Heart, the anthemic power of Queen, and the pop-rock magic of Roxette. Along the way, you’ll meet legends like Elvis Presley, Pink, Michael Jackson, Adele, Billie Eilish, Benson Boone, and more — each hit reimagined with the raw energy of a live Barnyard band and powerhouse vocalists.
The Circus Comes Alive
Marvel at fearless performers defying gravity on pole, silk, trapeze, and lyra — every twist, drop, and spin perfectly choreographed to the pulse of the music. It’s a feast for the senses where every beat has a stunt, and every stunt has a story. The Barnyard’s Most Daring Show Yet.
This is the largest, loudest, and most spectacular production in Barnyard history.
Whether you’re a lifelong rock fan or just love a night of unforgettableentertainment, Big Top Rock will leave you breathless, exhilarated, and ready to come back for more.
Step right up — the Big Top awaits!
Book your seats now and step right up to the big top at The Barnyard and get ready to be entertained!
Want to SAVE 5%? use promo code “DURBS” at checkout.