What’s happening in Gauteng this weekend

13 January 2012

The kids are back at school, you’re back at work and 2012 is in full swing. Gauteng is raring to kick off this year’s entertainment calendar with your first dose of weekend happenings for 2012.

The Mousetrap

Celebrating its 60^th anniversary this year, Agatha Christie’s renowned murder mystery play The Mousetrap is a must-see for anyone who likes a good twist at the end.

Famous for being the longest-running play in history (it’s run continuously since its debut in London’s West End in 1952), The Mousetrap opens at Montecasino on Wednesday. Be sure not to miss it.

Where: Pieter Toerien's Main Theatre, Montecasino

When: 18 January to 26 February, 2012

How much: R75 to R150

The Nutcracker on Ice

If you haven’t seen it yet, this weekend is your last chance to catch The Nutcracker on Ice at Montecasino. Performed by the Imperial Ice Stars, this dazzling display of high-speed leaps and awe-inspiring acrobatics on ice is a treat for audience members of any age.

To Tchaikovsky’s memorable score, the 25-strong cast of international championship skaters introduces gymnastics, human flying sequences and stunning theatrical effects in this world premiere. So come enjoy the Nutcracker doll, the Mouse King, the Enchanted Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy as they weave and glide across an icy stage.

Where: The Teatro, Montecasino

When: 13 Jan at 19h30, 14 Jan at 14h30 and 19h30, 15 Jan at 14h30 and 18h00.

How much: R100 to R350

Somewhere on the Border

Based on the play by Anthony Akerman while he was in exile, the production Somewhere on the Border returns to the stage this year and highlights the plight of white South African soldiers sent to the border during their years of conscripted military service.

Directed by Andre Odendaal, the play’s main theme is one of conflict and struggle as a generation of men is sent to fight a war that is not their own. Formerly banned for its offensive language and negative portrayal of the South African Defence Force, the production carries an age restriction of 16 for language and the nature of the subject matter.

Where: Market Theatre

When: 20h00 from Tuesdays to Saturdays and 15h00 on Sundays

How much: R66 to R160

Sunday cruise buffet on Spirit of Jen

Had enough of the hustle and bustle of malls and markets? Head out to Vanderbijlpark and treat your family to a two-hour Sunday cruise and sumptuous buffet on the Vaal River.

Hosted by Stonehaven on Vaal every Sunday, the cruise buffet takes place aboard the luxurious Spirit of Jen, and promises a lunch with a difference. For those who prefer to eat on land, casual 75-minute cruises are also an option, or you can take a quick 45-minute tour of the Vaal River.

When: Every Sunday, 13h00 to 15h00

Where: Stonehaven on Vaal, Vaal River

How much: R250pp, R75 per child

The ABBA Show

Performed by ABBAsolutely FABBAulous, Showtime Australia presents the best of ABBA live at The Mandela theatre. Grab your platforms and sequins and let this fun, fast-paced and hugely interactive tribute stage show take you back to a time when glitz and ABBA ruled.

Expect musical memories, costumes, flares, boots and disco balls! Relive the magic of the 70s and 80s with best-loved renditions of Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Fernando, Mama Mia, I Do I Do I Do and many more.

When: Starts 18 January at 20h00

Where: The Mandela at the Joburg Theatre Complex

How much: R140 to R250