Johannesburg

What's coming to the stage in Joburg

20 Feb 2025
Whether you're in the mood for a gothic horror classic, nostalgic fairytales with an acrobatic twist or pure orchestral bliss, you'll find what you're looking for as theatrical and musical performances take to stages around the city. Here are the concerts and plays to see in Joburg from Feb – Apr, 2025.

Thu, Feb 27 – Thu, Mar 20, 2025: Joburg Philharmonic's Summer Symphony Season

Thursdays are for classical music with JPO's Summer Symphony Season. Photo: Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. 

The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra's (JPO) annual Summer Symphony Season runs from Thu, Feb 27 – Thu, Mar 20 and features one classical concert per week, with a different guest conductor and soloist joining the orchestra for each performance. The series takes place at the home of the JPO, the Linder Auditorium in Parktown. Each season, the JPO attracts both dedicated classical music enthusiasts and new audiences looking to discover the joys of classical music. The opening concert on Thu, Feb 27 features conductor Daniel Boico with soloist Mayumi Kanagawa on violin. 

We recommend purchasing a season ticket: contact +27 11 484 0446 or email info@jpo.co.za to secure your seats. Alternatively, book tickets here.

Sat, Mar 1 – Sun, Mar 30, 2025: Once Upon a Time: Reimagined by The Cirk

See your favourite childhood fairytale take flight with The Cirk. Photo: Supplied.

If the bedtime stories of your childhood still have a special place in your heart, join the incredibly talented cast of The Cirk as they take you on an adventure by seamlessly blending music, choreographed dance, and seriously jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics. Back by popular demand, Once Upon a Time: Reimagined shows at Cresta Shopping Centre every weekend from Sat, Mar 1 – Sun, Mar 30. This production is a revamped version of the original fan favourite, hailed as a "spellbinding spectacle". A treat for returning audience members and newcomers alike. Children are encouraged to dress up as their most beloved fairytale character, while interactive games and activities are woven into the show. There will also be an opportunity to meet the cast in costume after the curtain call. Book your tickets now

Thu, Mar 27  Sun, Apr 13, 2025: Market Theatre stages Life & Times of Michael K

Puppetry meets politics in Life & Times of Michael K at Market Theatre. Photo: Fiona McPherson via The Baxter Theatre

Life & Times of Michael K, adapted for the stage by Lara Foot in collaboration with the Tony Award-winning Handspring Puppet Company (of War Horse fame) makes its way to the Market Theatre in Newtown from Thu, Mar 27 – Sun, Apr 13. This critically acclaimed stage adaptation of JM Coetzee's Booker Prize-winning novel comes to local audiences after a successful international tour in the USA. Combining puppetry, performance, film, and music, the play relays the story of a man’s journey through a war-torn South Africa to return his mother to her birthplace. In so doing, he finds strength, purpose, and a deep bond with the land. Book your tickets here.

Tue, Mar 4 – Sun, Mar 16, 2025: UJ Arts & Culture presents The Picture of Dorian Gray

A challenging, emotionally charged performance brings a classic novel to life on home soil. Photo: Supplied.

Presented by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Arts & CultureThe Picture of Dorian Gray is a fresh stage adaptation of Oscar Wilde's 19th-century novel. The production runs from Tue, Mar 4 – Sun, Mar 16 at UJ's Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre in Auckland Park. 

"I am jealous of everything whose beauty does not die," is but one famous line from Irish poet and playwright Wilde's classic philosophical fiction and gothic horror novel (also described as moral fantasy) written in the 1800s. A stage adaptation by British director, performer, and writer Neil Bartlett brings this darkly captivating tale into sharp focus for our modern age. Directed on home soil by UJ's Jade BowersThe Picture of Dorian Gray explores the collision of reality and morality. The performance features an outstanding cast of students from UJ Arts Academy as well as members of the Market Theatre Foundation's Kwasha! Theatre Company. Book your tickets here.

Fri, Mar 28 – Sun, Apr 6, 2025: The Joburg Ballet 2025 season opens

A 2021 production of Raymonda by the talented dancers from Joburg Ballet. Photo: Lauge Sorensen.

The Joburg Ballet 2025 season opens in March with DreamScapes, a trio of productions that explores the delicate balance between tradition, identity, and innovative expression through a rich combination of classical and contemporary works. The programme features the timeless Les Sylphides, Kitty Phetla’s spiritually rooted The Underworld & Elsewhere, and Dane Hurst’s dynamic Resonance. Marking the company’s return to Roodepoort Theatre after a decade, DreamScapes will be the first production in the venue’s newly renovated space. Performances will run from Fri, Mar 28 – Sun, Apr 6. Get your tickets here.

Tue, Mar 11 – Mon, Apr 21, 2025: Seussical Jr returns to Joburg Theatre

The kids will love this adventure through the whimsical world of Dr Suess. Photo: Stef Leny.

Get ready for family fun as Peoples Theatre bring Seussical JR back for another run at Joburg Theatre from Tue, Mar 11 – Mon, Apr 21. Dr. Seuss' iconic stories come to life in this magical Broadway musical, featuring all your favorite characters and stories like Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, and even Green Eggs and Ham. With fun sets, colorful costumes, and catchy tunes, this adventure will captivate audiences of all ages (but most importantly, the young ones). Book your tickets here

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For all the latest news about what to do around Joburg, keep up to date with our weekly events and exhibitions guides.

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