From hypnosis to heartfelt musicals: these holiday Joburg theatre shows are too good to miss

It’s the final stretch of the holiday productions before everyone goes on a well-deserved break for the festive season. 

As such, here’s a recap of what’s still on with “Andre the Hilarious Hypnotist” back for a long run as well. The entertainer needs little introduction to South African audiences as he’s been consistently entertaining us for well over three decades. 

Trained in the art of drama, comedy and hypnosis, he never fails to leave audiences gaping in awe. 

And he’s back to do just that. 

So expect to be in stitches, amazed and in the best mindset to enjoy the holidays. 

Also, his show is the perfect vehicle for a bonding session with loved ones. 

Where: Studio Theatre at Montecasino.

When: From December 19 until February 8, 2026. Check online booking times and dates.

I Am - The Musical

If you are looking for a more poignant offering, this is it. 

This powerful musical follows the journey of five women - Asanda, Mmapula, Tebatso, Olive and Zimkhitha - as they confront personal battles and societal injustices.

Asanda, a feminist, battles for recognition at her firm after being passed over for a promotion. Mmapula is a gifted performer. However, she struggles to escape an abusive relationship with a famous musician. 

Tebatso, a young wife and mother, is hoping to realise her entrepreneurial dreams but gets no support from her husband. 

Meanwhile, Zimkhitha, who is gay and an LGBTQ activist, goes through the most, having survived a hate crime and an unplanned pregnancy. But there is a silver lining when she finds love with Aluwani. 

Then there is Olive, a single mother locked in an ugly custody battle, who teams up with Tebatso to launch a cosmetic brand. 

This musical explores socially relevant themes as it unpacks each woman’s different struggles. 

Where: Sibusiso Khwinana at the SA State Theatre, Pretoria.

When: December 17 to 21, show times vary.

Madagascar - A Musical Adventure Jr

If you need to keep the kids entertained while you reclaim your sanity, this delightful production offers a great solution. 

A feel-good musical, based on the hit DreamWorks animated feature, it centres on a group of friends at New York’s Central Park Zoo making a break for it, only to find themselves navigating a treacherous world outside of their sanctuary. 

The key characters include Alex the Lion, who is the main attraction as the king of the jungle, his best friends Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the “Hip Hip Hippo”, and those four fugitive penguins.

And the cast depicting them are: Thokozani Jiyane (Alex the lion), Junior Geel (Marty the Zebra), Bethany Jiyane (Gloria the Hippo), Lwazi Pinyana (Melman the Giraffe), Raymond Skinner (King Julian and various roles) and Amelia Stephens (news reporter and various roles).

Where: Peoples Theatre. 

When: Runs until December 24, Tuesday to Friday at 9am and 11am. Times differ on public holidays and the weekend.