Whether you're interested in watching a graceful ballet, experiencing a breathtaking opera performance, laughing yourself silly at a hilarious stand-up comedy, or are eager to see a popular production live on stage, Johannesburg is sure to have a show for you at one of its many theatres.
What Are You Looking For?
Theatres in Joburg South
Theatres in Joburg North
Theatres in Joburg East
Theatres in Joburg West
Theatres in Joburg Central
Theatres in Joburg South
The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City Casino & Theme Park
Located within the Gold Reef City Casino in Ormonde, is the luxurious 1 100-seater Lyric Theatre. This theatre will give visitors the feeling of the opulence, luxury and grace in Johannesburg with its plush fittings and rich atmosphere. The Lyric Theatre presents guests with top notch entertainment live from their stage, including world-class theatre, performances from local and international musicians, ballet, comedy shows and much more.
The Soweto Theatre
In the vibrant cultural precinct of Jabulani, the Soweto Theatre provide a platform for up-and coming talent to showcase their arts to the public and grow confidence in their craft. The theatre boasts modern technology and ample room, making it the perfect venue to hire. A lot of shows and events are hosted, so be sure to keep an eye on their social media and website for the latest news and lineup.
Image from the Soweto Theatre.
Theatres in Joburg North
The Teatro at Montecasino
The Teatro at Montecasino has played host to many world-class shows and performances from some of the best in the theatrical industry. A few worth mentioning includes the internationally acclaimed St Peterburg Ballet, Chicago, The Rocky Horror Show, Katherine Jenkins, and Chris De Burgh. At full capacity, this theatre can accommodate 1 870 people and is considered to be one of the 10 largest Lyric theatres in the world. Be sure to keep an eye out on their websites and social media platforms for upcoming productions.
Visit The Teatro at Montecasino.
Image of The Teatro from Montecasino.
The Pieter Toerien Theatre & Studio at Montecasino
Accommodating up to 390 people, this small and intimate theatre in Montecasino is the ideal destination for top-notch comedy and live music. Walk into the foyer, and they first thing you'll notice is the glorious old chandelier from the Alhambra Theatre, which has been salvaged and now showcased as you enter the Pieter Toerien. As for entertainment, talented performers that have graced the Pieter Toerien stage includes Tim Plewman, Alan Committie, Pieter-Dirk Uys, Marc Lottering, Moira Lister and Bill Flynn, just t name a few.
Visit the Pieter Toerien Theatre & Studio.
Image from the Pieter Toerien Theatre & Studio via Facebook.
The Theatre on the Square at Nelson Mandela Square
Within the Nelson Mandela Square, between The Butcher Shop And Grill and the Sandton Library, you'll find the Theatre on the Square. This vibrant 200-seater adds another dimension, as well as cultural enrichment, to the entertainment industry. And what's lovely about its location, is that you can enjoy your choice from a range of fine restaurants with international cuisine on the square or at the Michelangelo Hotel.
Visit the Theatre on the Square.
Image from the Theatre on the Square via Facebook.
Theatres in Joburg East
The Big Top Arena at Carnival City
Known to host amazing concerts featuring international and local stars, sporting events, and even conference dinners and commercial launches, the Big Top Arena at Carnival City in Brakpan knows how to bring entertainment to the East Rand! Their Festival Lawns also offer the ideal location for exciting must-attend events. The casino has brought big-name family fun to Brakpan, including the Great Moscow Circus and the Aussie Circus.
Visit the Big Top Arena at Carnival City.
Image from Carnival City Casino.
The Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace
The Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace is a 17 tiered auditorium, offering theatre-goers a lavish theatrical entertainment experience. Many international acts and local talents have graced their stage. To ensure that the theatre continues to showcase nothing short of spectacular, a R6-million renovation was done to guarantee that this world-class theatre remains one of Gauteng’s finest.
Visit the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace.
Image from Emperors Palace.
Theatres in Joburg West
Roodepoort Theatre
Founded in 1980, the Roodepoort Theatre is the largest theatre venue in the West Rand, and presents plenty of well-known and popular family-friendly and mainstream productions. These productions normally include hilarious comedies, dance shows, drama and theatrical performances, as well as musical tribute shows.
Image from the Roodepoort Theatre via Facebook.
Barnyard Theatre at Silverstar Casino
For a unique theatre experience like no other, Barnyard Theatre Silverstar is sure to have just the thing. Most of their shows are energetic, exciting, and love to get their guests involved by dancing or even singing along. There are shows regularly showing at this theatre, all you have to do is visit their website and take a look. Plus, they have a selection of specials to ensure you get more bang for you buck. Barnyard Theatre Silverstar also makes for a fun year-end function idea.
Visit Barnyard Theatre Silverstar.
Image from Barnyard Theatre Silverstar.
Theatres in Joburg Central
The Joburg Theatre
Everyone who has visited Braamfontein knows of the popular Joburg Theatre. This theatre offers visitors and theatre goers an exciting lineup of shows that's sure to delight audiences of all ages. Every year, their festive season pantomime productions, written and directed by Janice Honeyman, have become a highlight of the country’s theatrical calendar. The Joburg Theatre is also the permanent home to Joburg Ballet, Jill Girard and Keith Smith’s Peoples Theatre Company.
Image from the Joburg Theatre.
The Market Theatre
The Market Theatre in Newtown celebrates our heritage and our past, while also confidently looking and moving forward by playing a major cultural role for the African continent. This theatre remains at the forefront of producing and presenting amazing theatrical artworks complete with an authentic African artistic voice and African diversity.
Image from the Market Theatre via Facebook.
What Is It?
Confessions explores what drives humans to commit grave and unforgivable atrocities. Explored through the mind of a violent perpetrator, the play is inspired by the on-going epidemic of violence by men against women in the country.
Confessions is a vivid and dramatic memory play. It takes place in a hauntingly intimate one room hovel inhabited by Zuko (played by Mpilo Khumalo). The play chronicles his tormented memories of his late girlfriend Thandi (played by Thendo Khabana).
Confessions is directed by Mandla Ricardo Mpanjukelwa, assisted by Mbali Ndlozi with set design by Khosi Mkhonza.
When Is It?
Wednesday, 28 August 2019 - Sunday, 08 September 2019. Show times vary according to day of the week.
Where Is It?
Joburg Theatre (Space.com), 163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
How Much Is It?
Tickets cost R80 per person and may be purchased online via Webtickets.
For more information
Visit Joburg Theatre’s website for further details, or follow them on social media for the latest shows and events:
Facebook - facebook.com/joburgtheatre
Twitter - twitter.com/joburgtheatre
Contact the theatre Box Office on 0861 670 670 or via email at [email protected]
I still remember my very first kids theatre experience. I was four years old and will never forget the feeling of anticipation I felt sitting in a “proper grown-up” chair at the theatre, waiting for the curtains to open. I may not remember much about the actual show (it was Annie – The Musical), but I vividly recall the very first scene and being completely swept away by the characters.
My parents, despite never having much disposal income, always made sure that their three daughters went to the theatre as often as possible. We attended many ballet productions and quickly came to anticipate Janice Honeyman’s annual pantomime. It’s a tradition that we now continue with our own families, and we love experiencing theatre through the eyes of our children.
Here are the TOP SEVEN SHOWS we recommend in the next few months – and deeply suspect that parents will enjoy the shows just as much as their children!
Annie Jr.
Date: 04 June - 05 August 2018
Venue: People's Theatre, corner Loveday and Hoofd Streets, Joburg Theatre Complex, Braamfontein
This one is a classic and a must-see for all ages! With all the songs you know and love, including “Tomorrow,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” and “Hard Knock Life”, Annie Jr. will be gracing the People's Theatre stage for the very first time. Join the plucky and positive Annie on a fun-filled adventure as she finds a new home with billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace and a sweet mutt named Sandy.
The Selfish Giant
Date: 24 - 26 August 2018
Venue: The Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Oscar Wilde’s charming morality tale of the Selfish Giant is brought to life by the young and talented dancers of the Johannesburg Youth Ballet. Consumed by selfishness, the Giant builds a wall around his beautiful garden to keep children out. Once the wall is up, it becomes wintry in his garden because no other season dares to enter a place where no children are allowed to play. But one morning, a very special child brings Spring back into the garden, as well as love into the Giant’s cold heart. This show is perfect for all ages.
Charlotte's Web
Date: 28 August - 07 October 2018
Venue: National Children's Theatre, 03 Junction Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg
The heart-warming children's novel Charlotte's Web, by E. B. White, will be brought to life with a lovely musical at the National Children's Theatre from August to October 2018. The story is based on a piglet named Wilbur, who befriends a barn spider named Charlotte, who lives on a web overlooking Wilbur's enclosure. When Wilbur discovers his fate of being slaughtered, Charlotte promises to hatch a plan guaranteed to spare his life. This delightful production is a must for the whole family!
Peter and the Wolf
Date: 20 September - 21 October 2018
Venue: Studio Theatre, Pieter Toerien Theatre, Montecasino, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg.
This whirlwind stage adaptation of the timeless tale is the perfect introduction for kids to the magical world of theatre. With a unique South African flair, this miniature masterpiece will include local sounds, puppetry and animation in its unique staging. While entertaining, the production also aims to educate children on recycling.
Matilda The Musical
Date: 17 October - 02 December 2018
Venue: The Teatro at Montecasino, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg.
Who remembers the movie? We know we do! And now, the story of Matilda is coming to centre stage! Matilda The Musical is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book written by the incomparable Roald Dahl. It's the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to change her dark destiny. A winner of over 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical, Matilda The Musical is set to delight South African audiences of all ages this Spring. Get your tickets now!
The Little Prince
Date: 25 October - 25 November 2018
Venue: Studio Theatre, Pieter Toerien Theatre, Montecasino, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s beloved tale of a pilot and a young alien prince gets new life as it's retold on stage at the Pieter Toerien Theatre. This story has been delighting readers since it was first published in 1943 and has been translated into more than 250 languages. Follow the journey of The Little Prince, who leaves his tiny planet to travel the universe, learning the oddities of adult behaviour through a series of extraordinary encounters. Told with the help of shadow art and Japanese Bunraku puppetry, this production is not to be missed.
Janice Honeyman’s Snow White
Date: 03 November - 23 December 2018
Venue: The Nelson Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
The ever-popular and hugely entertaining story of Snow White will be brought to life once again in an enchanting production complete with stunning sets, beautiful costumes, breathtaking special-effects and lots of comedy. Bigger and more spectacular than ever, this event will delight audiences both young and old with a never-before-seen-in-South-Africa 3D interactive journey into the forest. Join the Joburg Theatre for the most magical pantomime ever told.
