WHAT’S ON THIS EASTER
With the long Easter break ahead, Durban is gearing up for another bumper holiday season, and has events and shows for all tastes on offer. The Independent on Saturday brings you a quick guide to events in the city in the coming weeks.
Ethekwini Motor Festival is set to take over Moses Mabhida Stadium today and tomorrow, with all things cars, including Driftkhana (at the built-up track) Sound Off, Show ’n Shine, Taxi Fashion Show and Motorbike Concours. Book at Computicket.
Mixed Masala Comedy: Durban’s comedians offer a spicy evening of laughter on April 8 at Cuba Lounge at Moses Mabidha Stadium. Book at Computicket.
Durban’s awarding-winning production house, KickstArt, gives the holidays some high-kicking razzledazzle with the hit musical Chicago at Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from April 7–30. Chicago explores the themes of celebrity, scandal and corruption in Prohibition-era, jazz-infused Chicago. The satirical musical-noir is based on a 1926 play by reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins about real-life Chicago criminals. It centres on vaudevillian showgirl Velma Kelly (Katy Moore) and housewife Roxie Hart (Jessica Sole), two murderesses who find themselves in jail awaiting trial and fighting for the fame that will keep them from the gallows.
Also in the cast are Jason Ralph, Charon Williams Ros, Anne Marie Clulow and Bryan Hiles, with an onstage ninepiece band under the direction of Evan Roberts. Book at Computicket. Andre the Hilarious Hypnotist will be weaving his mental magic on crowds at Suncoast on April 28 and 29. Suitable for the whole family. Book at Computicket.
Suncoast has Easter wrapped up with jumping castles for children and the Easter Bunny to entertain them between April 14 and 17. Entry is free.
The Easter Bunny will also be at the Durban Botanic Gardens on April 15 and 16. Kids can help find the eggs hidden in the gardens. There will be face painting and other activities. Tickets at Quicket.
For a taste of Indian entertainment, music fans will enjoy the “Chutney and Nagara” night, called Hotter Than Hot by two of KZN’s top Nagara groups. Chutney and Nagara are types of Indian music and entertainment. At iZulu Theatre, Sibaya, April 7 and 8.
Rhumbelow Theatre is hosting the Tinas and Tunes Music Festival from Monday until April 16. A different musician will be playing each evening. The musicians include Calli Thomson, Retrobeat, the Burton Naidoo trio and Parable 15. Book at Computicket.
Reoca Light, featuring Rory Booth (Keeping Up with the Kandasamys), is on stage at the Playhouse from Wednesday until April 8. The story focuses on the memories of a man and the three men who influenced his life. Book at Computicket.
For a dose of British and South African humour, catch Tony Stewart at the Rhumbelow Theatre from today until April 9. The comedian joined the circus at the age of 15 and has been entertaining crowds since. Book at Computicket.
Something for the kids, Cherry’s Dotty Fun Show is at the Rhumbelow Theatre Durban and Kloof from Monday until April 13. Expect lots of interaction including colouring-in. Book at Computicket.
Fancy getting a little messy? The Nickelodeon's SlimeFest at uShaka Marine World is just the thing. The theme park turns into a green and orange slime machine. It will be hosted by comedian Joey Rasdien and stars Spongebob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer will make a visit. Book at Computicket.
Seaside Suzy will feature at the Durban and Kloof Rhumbelow theatres with a tale of a child’s adventure at the seaside. Bookings at Computicket.
Handel`s Messiah is at the Playhouse on Easter Sunday, April 16. It has been described as a choral masterpiece. Bookings at Computicket.
An Easter Sunday Picnic at KwaMashu Fan Park on April 16. Bookings at Computicket.
Durban Picnic Day at People’s Park on April 16. Musicians Professor, L’vovo, Okmalumkoolkat and DJ Cndo, among others, will be performing. Book at Computicket.
Music lovers, head to the hills for the third annual Michaelhouse Music Festival over the month-end long weekend. The festival begins on Freedom Day, April 27, and concludes on April 30. Among the big names are Pietermaritzburg teacher and last year’s Idols SA winner Noma Khumalo, who will be joined by vocalist Sibongile Khumalo. Cape Town’s live electronic duo, The Kiffness, and Durban’s Easy Freak and Rubber Duc are in the line-up. The festival ends with the KZN Philharmonic led jointly by maestro Richard Cock and William Silk.