What’s on in Jozi this month

DAZZLING: WHAT’S ON IN JOZI THIS MONTH

From hypnosis to rock classics, try not to miss any of these shows.

There are no entertainment worries in January. After a festive season of farces, ice shows and pantos, the theatre is still going strong.

Here’s three not-to-be-missed shows. – Citizen reporter

ANDRE THE HILARIOUS HYPNOTIST

There’s no better way to chase away the January “back to work” blues than by enjoying one of South Africa’s funniest entertainers, Andre The Hilarious Hypnotist, who returns for a limited season to Montecasino’s Studio Theatre from Friday, January 19 to Sunday, February 25.

Andre celebrates a record-breaking 25 years on stage as South Africa’s very own convener of the strange, the weird and the wonderful.

Andre discovered his hypnotic calling after watching a performance of the late Max Collie.

Having studied drama and teaching, and with a background in psychology, Andre immediately became hooked at the promise of being able to entertain people with his hypnotic skills.

And he has been doing that for the past 25 years.

No two shows are the same as the strength of his performances lies in the fact that every night’s volunteers are different, leading to a diverse action-packed show.

Not even Andre knows what to expect when he steps up on stage.

Andre does, however, promise not to disappoint and the audience can expect two hours of side-splitting hilarious hypnotic entertainment from the time Andre takes to the stage.

At the end of the day, the strength of the show lies in the volunteers of the evening who are brave enough to come up on stage.

Their participation makes Andre’s show such a feel-good, funny, evening’s entertainment.

It’s truly the only show in the country that can claim that it makes stars of your friends and family. Andre The Hilarious Hypnotist runs from January 19 to February 25 at The Studio Theatre at Montecasino.

BEATLEMANIA

Bringing to life the major musical hits that made the Beatles one of the most successful and influential rock groups of all time, Beatlemania On Tour will take over Emperors Palace from January 19 for a one month at the Theatre of Marcellus.

Beatlemania On Tour brings a full new cast of male singers for the shows’ first tour to South Africa since 2010. Audiences can expect a fresh experience with stateof-the-art updates to production and lighting, and revamps to the show’s huge repertoire of replica Beatles costuming.

If it’s pure nostalgia you’re looking for, then you won’t be disappointed.

All of the Beatles’ biggest and most treasured hits from the 1960s rock era will be performed on stage – in their original key and on replica Beatles instruments – with unseen attention to detail creating the sincerest Beatles sound around.

The new cast includes the talented singers Cameron Charters (as Paul McCartney), Zac Coombs (as John Lennon), Brent McMullen (as George Harrison) and Ben Harper (as Ringo).

Audiences can expect to see classic Beatles hits such as Can’t Buy Me Love, All My Loving, Please Please Me, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, She Loves You, Day Tripper, Nowhere Man, Help, Yellow Submarine, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Hey Jude performed throughout the twohour show.

The handsome foursome have gone the extra mile to make the show true to life and Johannesburg fans of the Beatles are in for a treat. Charters even taught himself to play bass left-handed for his role!

“There is so much detail to get right for a show of this calibre. Aside from getting the music spoton, we’re expected to nail the characters, voices, little movements. It’s a lot of work but it’s worth it when you see the end result and know that real Beatles’ fans will appreciate it,” says Charters.

The production is looking to uphold its reputation as one of the world’s best Beatles tributes and the show’s producers are confident it will do just that.

Beatlemania On Tour will also dazzle Durban audiences at Sibaya Casino and Entertainment World from March 29 until April 8 at the Izulu Theatre.