031 Theatre Festival

A rugby mad superfan; a teacher suspended from school; a woman growing old disgracefully; a Bollywood-loving roti-making wife; a little girl burdened by the pathological carelessness of her parents; a slew of woman singers (Britney, Karen Carpenter, Alanis Morissette) – these are some of the characters one can meet at the fourth annual family-friendly 031 Theatre Festival to take place at the Seabrookes Theatre at DHS from 4 until 14 June 2026.

This year’s festival promises a vibrant celebration of South African theatre, featuring a dynamic mix of comedy, drama, music, and solo performance. The theatre festival has been spearheaded by Lisa Bobbert and Aaron Mcilroy (Macbob Productions) and features an exciting and eclectic programme of shows – this time including shows from out of town.

BUY 031 THEATRE FESTIVAL TICKETS HERE

Embedded in the festival is the student festival presented by International School of Performing Arts (ISPA) to showcase the extraordinary range and talent of ISPA’s emerging performers through three distinct productions.

Cottonwool Kid

Three national productions appear on the programme: the flagship one-woman production, Cottonwool Kid. Performer Toni Morkel and director, Sylvaine Strike, have woven together a compelling narrative exploring the life of CK, who goes through her journey with her loyal dog, Luigi. CK is a little girl burdened by the pathological carelessness of her parents. 

Ms. B-haved

Ms. B-haved, written and performed by Sue Diepeveen and directed by Natasha Sutherland, in her directorial debut. Sally Burkett is in disgrace! Suspended from Littleman Junior School! Sally thought that her 30 years of teaching had given her immunity to scandal, but the “much loved” Ms. B has somehow rocked the small school and town to its core. Laugh along with Sally as she awaits her fate and unpacks what brought her to Zoom teaching.

Growing Old Disgracefully

In her musical comedy, Growing Old Disgracefully, celebrated international cabaret artist Tonya Koenderman takes to the stage with a frank, funny, and delightfully irreverent look at the trials and triumphs of ageing.

Rugby Mad

Durban stalwarts will be presenting fabulous new works: Rugby takes centre stage in the high-energy, laugh-out-loud one-man show Rugby Mad, written and performed by Aaron McIlroy, premiering at this year’s 031 Theatre Festival. A fast-paced solo performance, featuring a cast of colourful characters.

Roti Queen

Roti Queen is a solo comedy by Shika Budhoo, directed by Dhaveshan Govender. Marriage is a dance between love, sacrifice, and personal identity. Amrita, once a professional dancer, unravels domestication, dedication and life’s decisions as she makes a fresh batch of roti for her 19th anniversary dinner (which she cooks live on stage).

Music Renditions

Three beautiful music renditions of fabulous women singers join the bill: Karen and Me, with Shannon Kenny as Karen Carpenter, directed by Darren King; Marion Loudon’s tribute to Alanis Morissette, Jagged Little Tribute and Britney in the Underworld, a one-woman cabaret starring Kaylee McIlroy and directed by Lisa Bobbert.

Age of Ubuntu

As part of the 031 Theatre Festival, the ISPA 3rd Year Student Fest. The International School of Performing Arts (ISPA) is dedicated to cultivating versatile, industry-ready performers through intensive, hands-on training to help craft the future of the performing arts.
This year’s festival premieres Age of Ubuntu, a gripping new student-written and produced play by 3rd-year student Damien Butt. The story follows Marcus, an ordinary young man whose life is upended after he accidentally causes the death of another person in a road incident.

Comedy Games

The wildly popular Comedy Games, an improv comedy experience packed with quick wit, audience interaction, and high-energy fun. Led by ISPA’s improv drama teacher and MC Patrick Kenny. There will also be a showcase featuring a highlights package of some of the best performance pieces created by the students in different formats and genres.

BUY 031 THEATRE FESTIVAL TICKETS HERE

Good to Know:

• The Seabrookes Theatre at DHS
• 4 – 14 June 2026
• Buy five tickets or more for a show, and get 10% discount
• Off-street parking
• Bar and refreshments
• Curated mini festival market