Somewhat unbelievably, November has begun which means summer is just about here – even though Cape Town recently enjoyed another dusting of snow! As the end of the year approaches, thoughts turn to Christmas, holidays and all manner of festivals and events. The following events are just a few of the things to keep an eye out for in your city.
Johannesburg:
A night under the big top:
The perennially popular Madame Zingara is back – this time with a whole new show named ‘The Celebration’. Madame Zingara has enthralled audiences around South Africa for 15 years with its spectacular dinner cirque theatre. ‘The Celebration’ pays tribute to the show’s proud history and features all the hallmarks of a classic Madame Zingara experience. Think world class performers, five star cuisine and outstanding service all served up within the confines of a brand new, opulent, three storey mirrored tent fondly referred to as ‘The Queen of Flanders’. If previous performances are anything to go by, The Celebration should make for a magical, memorable night out. The Celebration will once again be hosted at Monte Casino in Fourways and will run from the 4th of November until the 31st of December. An age restriction of 16 applies. Tickets cost between R550 and R950pp. Go to www.madamezingara.com for further information.
Tickle your funny bone:
Famous comedian Trevor Noah has made the ‘big time’ in the USA as host of The Daily Show but he hasn’t forgotten his roots. For three nights only you will be able to catch his new act ‘Trevor Noah and Friends’ at The Globe at Silverstar Casino in Johannesburg. Noah’s act will form part of the ‘NationWild’ comedic tour and will feature accomplished comedians Tats Nkonzo and Schalk Bezuidenhout alongside several other up-and-coming comedians. The show will run from the 26th to the 28th of November. Tickets costs between R240 and R400pp. Go to www.silverstarcasino.co.za for more information.
Cape Town:
Another chance to celebrate Halloween!
If you missed out on Halloween the first time round this year or simply can’t get enough of it, you’ll have another chance to relive the spooky fun at The Theatre and Food Market’s ‘Halloween at Hogwarts Feast’ on the 7th of November. The event will go hand-in-hand with the Bluebird Friday Night Market which will serve delicious, crafted food to suit all palates. Various magical events are planned for the evening including spooky games, theatrical performances, a special Harry Potter themed quiz and even a game of Quidditch! So dress up as your favourite Harry Potter character and celebrate Halloween all over again in true magical style. The event will kick off at 5pm at the Bluebird Garage Food and Goods Market. Ticket prices start at R100. For further details go to www.theatreandfood.co.za or phone (021) 786 1407.
Gear up for Christmas – slowly:
Christmas is in the air which means it’s time to start ticking things off your Christmas list. The Slow Market’s Christmas Market in Stellenbosch is a good place to start. This market specialises in artisanal, handmade fare which means you won’t find any processed, mass - produced goodies here. Items to be sold include, amongst others, Christmas cakes, gammons, turkeys, mince pies, nuts, champagne and real Christmas trees. In other words, just about everything you could possibly want for a traditional Christmas feast. The market will take place on the 27th, 28th and 29th of November at the Oude Libertas Theatre and Lawns. Entrance is free. For market times, go to www.slowmarket.co.za
Durban:
Must love dogs:
Fancy a relaxing day out at a local market with your dog? The Shongweni Farmer’s and Craft Market in Durban is the place for you. This dog-friendly country market started out with just 12 stalls in 1998 and has since evolved to host 150 stalls offering all manner of scrumptious food and fresh produce. The market has become a popular breakfast venue so it’s advisable to come early before all the bacon runs out! Products range from English sausages and decadent baked goodies to organic cheese, French specialities and Mediterranean fare. The market takes place every Saturday from 6am to 10.30am at 1 Fraser Road. For more information go to www.shongwenimarket.co.za
Get your funk on:
World renowned trombonist Fred Wesley will be in Durban for one night only in November. Wesley is a composer, arranger, musicologist, author and educator and is widely regarded as one of the “forefathers of funk”. Wesley has worked with numerous musical heavyweights including James Brown, Ray Charles, Pancho Sanchez and Usher to name but a few. Wesley will put on a show alongside his band the New JB’s on the 25th of November at the Sipho Gumede Bat Centre. Tickets cost R150. For more information go to www.jtcomms.co.za or call (011) 788 7632.
