Discover a world of imaginative performance art and musicals at these incredible stage shows. This season boasts critically acclaimed acts and visual spectacles suited for all ages.

You can expect the wonder of theatre at its finest, with classic tales reimagined, interactive performances, and local music productions that make the experience all the more immersive for the audience.

Madame Jojo’s

Madame Jojo’s brings a six-week Thursday night series to 72 Barrack Street, inspired by the original Soho nightclub of the same name in London, which closed in 2015 after decades as a fixture of the city’s cabaret and drag scene.

The Cape Town edition opens with a Cocktail Hour before Madame Jojo takes the stage, followed by a rotating line-up of cabaret, burlesque, drag and other performance acts, alongside DJs and go-go dancers who keep the night running into the early hours. The venue occupies the Empire Lounge, a VIP space within Mavericks Revue Bar, accessed through its own separate street entrance rather than through the main club.

The series is presented by Mavericks, drawing on the venue’s existing production and performance infrastructure. Under-18s are not permitted at any point during the night.

Cost: R200. Tickets available on Quicket.

When: 20 August to 4 December 2026 | Cocktail Hour 7pm to 8pm | Madame Jojo takes the stage at 8pm | Continues until 4am
Where: Madame Jojo’s, 72 Barrack Street, Cape Town City Centre

Swing With The King

Swing With The King returns to the Artscape Opera House for its third annual staging, blending gospel jazz, big band and Cape Ghoema music with a full orchestra. The production is created by former professional footballer Freddy Arendse, and is musically directed by Brathew van Schalkwyk with US Grammy-winning producer Fletch Wiley as conductor and Jolene Martin as MC.

The lineup features soloists including Hilton Schilder, Julius May, American vocalist Roz Parker, Wesley Rustin, Clinton Viljoen and Natasha Adams, backed by a ten-piece horn section led by Muneeb Hermans and an eight-piece string section led by Rayelle Goodman. Previous editions have opened with a video sequence tracing South African cultural history from Khoisan roots through to the present, framing the concert as a musical journey through memory and heritage as much as a straightforward performance.

The show has run at Artscape since 2023 and has been confirmed to continue there annually through 2027, drawing on a mix of established and emerging performers each year.

Cost: R250. Tickets available on Webtickets.

When: 13 & 14 November 2026 | From 7.30pm
Where: Artscape Opera House, D.F. Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town

Celestial Bodies

After a 2025 world premiere and sold-out April performances, Joburg Ballet’s Celestial Bodies comes to Cape Town for the first time. Combining ballet, cinematic projections, scientific storytelling, and live piano, this grand spectacle explores cosmic energy and movement through the art of dance.

Presented in partnership with Universe on Stage (headed by physicist Dr Luca Pontiggia and composer-actuary Yasheen Modi) and choreographed by Joburg Ballet’s Naledi Award winner Mario Gaglione, Celestial Bodies grew out of Gaglione’s fascination with a cinematic stage experience about the extraordinary reality of black holes.

“I remember walking up to Luca and Yasheen after watching the Universe on Stage’s production of Hidden Giants and saying that I longed to see their vision manifest through dance; that their world of music, science and art was already moving like choreography waiting to be embodied,” says Gaglione.

The production mixes live narration by Pontiggia (who holds a PhD in theoretical physics), an original live piano score by Modi, and a dynamic, universal performance from Joburg Ballet’s star dancers. The story builds the audience’s curiosity with space, stars, and galaxies, and reflects the connection between our daily lives and the ever-expanding world around us.

Cost: R250 – R625 per person. Book now on Webtickets.

When: Thursday – Sunday, 12 – 15 November 2026 | From 7pm (Thu – Sat) | From 2pm (Sat & Sun)
Where: Pam Golding Theatre, Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town

Roméo et Juliette

Cape Town Opera presents Roméo et Juliette at Artscape: the tragic tale of star-crossed lovers has inspired countless works of literature and art across cultures, becoming an archetype of love and fate. Shakespeare’s version remains the most familiar, and for his ninth opera, French composer Charles Gounod found the perfect dramatic vehicle.

Gounod, one of the most influential French composers of the late nineteenth century, is celebrated for his lyrical charm, refined orchestration, and elegant taste. Yet it is his mastery of theatrical storytelling – setting scenes, building tension, and guiding the drama to its tragic conclusion – that makes Roméo et Juliette especially unforgettable.

Cost: R170 – R720. Bookings are available via Webtickets.

When: 18 – 29 November 2026 | From 7pm | From 2pm (weekend matinee)
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St, Foreshore

A Summer Dream at Spier Wine Farm

Produced by Third World Bunfight and underscored by Capetonian Jak Tomas’s beautiful melodies, the hour-long performance of A Summer Dream brings together dancers, musicians, singers and actors in a captivating celebration for all ages.

Brett Bailey, creator of Woordfees’ acclaimed show FaustX, directs once again, with choreography by Natalie Fisher, movement and mask work by Jayne Batzofin, and lighting by Nicolaas De Jongh. With an otherworldly cast of characters played by talented performers, it’s an annual end-of-year tradition that honours the start of summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

The evening begins on the Werf at 6pm, with seasonal dinner options ranging from fresh farm picnics and acclaimed Spier wines to braaied burgers, before guests head to the amphitheatre as the show begins. Combining a special dining experience with an exclusive theatre performance, A Summer Dream at Spier is a multi-sensory experience under the Cape Winelands’ stars.

Cost: R200 (general admission) | R270 (includes Farmer Angus burger) | R500 (includes a sunset picnic) | R70 (children under 5) | Free (children under 2). Book via Webtickets.

When: Friday – Sunday, 11 – 13 December 2026 | Pre-show meal from 6pm | Show starts at 7.45pm
Where: Spier Werf Lawns, Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch

Royal Countess Zingara: Melanina

The Royal Countess is back at her Century City home by popular demand, and this time, the show’s familiar style is reimagined into an exciting new experience. With immersive speakeasy experiences unfolding in and around the plush velvet Spiegeltent, featuring a live jazz band, singers, dancers, and spectacular cirque acts, guests can expect an unforgettable night out with the Royal Countess Zingara like never before.

Conceptualised by Richard Griffin, and directed by Craig Leo and Valentina Leo, Melanina – Return to Origin is a new chapter for Zingara that offers a fresh perspective while weaving in familiar elements that audiences will recognise from previous shows. Drawing on old-world glamour and presented through a speakeasy lens, the production will take place within a Spiegeltent, unfolding into an extraordinary journey amplified by electrifying performances, pulsating rhythm and uninhibited revelry.

The cast, showcasing out-of-this-world skill, artistry and flair, hails from a pool of local and international talent. The acclaimed lineup includes Michelle Maurin, a hair-hanging aerial artist from Mexico; Carlos Serrano from Cuba on straps; slack-wire specialist Stephane Pansa from French Guiana; and the powerful strength duo Momo and Fujo from Tanzania.

The upbeat soundscape is anchored by a seven-piece band conducted by Sam Ibeh with former Marabi Club players and Hugh Masekela legends including Senzo Mzimela and Sydney Ace. Ann Masina, Thato Makape, Lelo Ramasimong, Anzio September and MC Donovan Yaards are on vocals, with Yaards delivering a rendition of Prince’s Purple Rain that brings the house down.

Cost: From R1250 per person. Book now on the website.

When: Tuesday – Sunday | October 2026 – January 2027 | Grounds open at 5pm; show starts at 7.30pm
Where: Royal Countess Zingara, Century Blvd, Century City, Cape Town

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story for Christmas

Inspired by Charles Dickens’ iconic novella and adapted for the stage by local theatre-maker Jeff Johnson, A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story for Christmas brings the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future to Cape Town, this time with a touch of South African flair.

Johnson returns to the Masque Theatre after his acclaimed production of Little Shop of Horrors, with Richard Higgs starring as Scrooge and 28 young performers bringing the rest of the beloved story to life.

Ebenezer Scrooge has little patience for Christmas, and even less for the people who celebrate it. But on Christmas Eve, an unexpected visitor sets in motion a strange and extraordinary night. Three spirits will take him on a journey through his past, present and future, confronting him with the life he’s lived and the one he might still choose.

No entry is allowed after the show starts, latecomers can only join after the interval. No flash photography or videography is permitted during the performance. Disabled parking is available on request.

Cost: R160 – R180 per person. Book now on Quicket.

When: 11 – 20 December 2026 | 1pm – 3.20pm | 5pm – 7.20pm
Where: Masque Theatre, 37 Main Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town

Swan Lake

Cape Ballet Africa is bringing the world’s most loved ballet, Swan Lake, to Cape Town audiences for an exclusive run of performances after its Johannesburg tour. Kicking off the company’s 2027 season, it’s a great opportunity for the Mother City’s ballet fans to experience an acclaimed, majestic dance production at the start of the year.

The pinnacle of classical ballet, Swan Lake tells a timeless tale of love and sacrifice, with elegant dancing sequences supported by Tchaikovsky’s absolutely iconic, sweeping score. In this perennial favourite, Prince Siegfried falls for Odette, a princess cursed to live as a swan by day. Their fates entwine in a powerful struggle against evil, where love must prove stronger than the sorcery that seeks to tear them apart.

Cape Ballet Africa’s rendition earned critical acclaim during its run in Johannesburg, with rave reviews from Diane de Beer (De Beer Necessities), Dale Kopping (DK Expressions), and Sam Nupen (Sam Says), and over 30,000 viewers across the season.

Cost: R290 – R790 per person. Book now on Webtickets.

When: 3 – 13 February 2027 | From 7.30pm | Weekend matinees at 1pm & 2.30pm
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre (Opera House), D.F. Malan St, Foreshore, Cape Town

Visit Drumstruck at Silvermist: Authentic African Drumming and Wine Tasting Experience

Drumstruck has performed for royalty, world leaders and celebrities from Shakira to Dolly Parton, earning a reputation as one of South Africa’s most successful cultural exports. 

Today, this global success story has its home at Silvermist Organic Wine Estate, where guests can enjoy interactive African drumming, theatre, rare traditional instruments, wine tasting and a generous South African braai — all in one unforgettable experience. 

Every guest receives a drum and gets to play along with the show. The Drumstruck cast guides the room with humour, rhythm and skill, turning strangers into a unified ensemble. Whether you’re musical or rhythmically challenged, don’t worry – you’ll fit right in.

The braai (lunch or dinner) is generous, delicious and full of familiar South African flavours. Flame-grilled chops, chicken, boerewors, pap and chakalaka, fresh salads and garlic bread are served as the sun sets over the Twelve Apostles. A sweet treat is served as dessert, and vegetarian and halaal options are available.

Cost:
African Lunch Experience: R930 per person, R830 for locals
Sunset Dinner Experience: R930 per person, R830 for locals
Wine Tasting & Drumstruck Show Only: R480 per person, R380 for locals
Drumstruck Show Only: R380 per person, R280 for locals

Book via website. For events, corporate bookings, or private parties, contact Warren on [email protected] or 082 901 0496.

When: Saturdays and Sundays, Selected weekdays | African Lunch Experience: 12.30pm – 3pm | Sunset Dinner Experience: 4.30pm – 7.30pm
Where: Silvermist Organic Wine Estate, Main Road, Constantia Nek, Constantia, Cape Town

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