The Baxter Theatre Centre is a multicultural entertainment centre at the foot of the University of Cape Town’s campus, providing a stage for various types of professional South African entertainment.
The theatre intends to reflect all aspects of South African culture and society and was famously open to everyone during apartheid.
Here’s what is on for the rest of this month:
Aunty Merle: Things Get Real
Following his smash hit “Aunty Merle: It’s a Girl”, Marc Lottering puts on a new musical comedy. Lottering, who plays the lead, is supported by a dynamic cast.
Still following the iconic character Merle, she talks to us now having survived COVID-19 and navigating loadshedding. On top of this, her husband Dennis has been keeping a secret from her.
This secret has affected his heart, and his doctor advises him to come clean. Merle’s world is about to be turned upside down.
- Dates: 29 November to 21 January
- Start time: Evenings at 7.30pm, Saturday matinees at 3pm
- Duration: 150 minutes (including interval)
- Age restriction: 13+
- Tickets: R180-R260
Purchase tickets to the show here.
The ABBA Show – A Cinderella Story
“The ABBA Show – A Cinderella Story” is a modern retelling of the classic Cinderella fairytale, set to ABBA’s timeless music.
Angela and Michael Revie bring innovative choreography to the stage, alongside extravagant costumes and sets designed by fashion designer David Hutt.
The world-class cast of dancers includes Cathy Specific, Angela Revie, Aviwe November, Veronica Louw, Marlon Frometa Ballester, Shana Dewey, Paulo De Jesus Gonzalez Gonzalez and Javier Monier Jouve.
Come dressed in the theme of “ABBA” to be entered into the best-dressed competition.
- Dates: 24 to 28 January
- Start time: Evenings at 8pm, Saturday matinee at 3pm
- Tickets: R280 (students and senior citizens R150)
Purchase tickets to the show here.
Music Across Time
In a UCT Summer School 2023 celebration concert, music by Brahms, Debussy, Pärt, Górecki, McLachlan and Dale Roberts will be showcased.
Grant Mclachlan presents the event in line with the lecture themes of the evolution of music. The evening will demonstrate some of the learned theories.
The reputable VOX Cape Town, known for their innovative approach to choral music, will be joined by a talented group of young musicians, the Kirby Quartet, and well-known Cape Town flautist Gabriele von Dürckheim.
- Date: 25 January
- Start time: 7pm
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Tickets: R150
Purchase tickets to the show here.
Sunset @ Baxter with Jimmy Nevis
Jimmy Nevis, an established Athlone-born musician, graces Cape Town music lovers with a performance at the Baxter.
The year 2022 marks ten years since Nevis joined the South African music industry, with his smash hit single “Elephant Shoes” being released in 2012.
Nevis is kicking off the new year and decade with a brand new album, set for release in January 2023.
- Date: 29 January
- Start time: 6pm
- Tickets: R225
Purchase tickets to the show here.
The Grass Widow
“The Grass Widow” is award-winning playwright and director Louis Viljoen’s new creation.
The dark comedy, psycho-sexual thriller explores the life of one woman and the relationships that shape her. The play delves into the lengths she will go to get revenge on those that have crossed her.
Told from multiple perspectives, the show stars Emma Kotze (Oh Baby I’m A Wild One, The Gospel According To Jan Coetzee, Fotostaatmasjien) and the production is designed by Kieran McGregor (The Father, The Eulogists, Clybourne Park).
- Dates: 31 January to 11 February
- Start time: Evenings at 7.30pm, Saturday matinees at 3pm
- Duration: 75 minutes
- Age restriction: 18+
- Tickets: R150 (seniors R120)
Purchase tickets to the show here.
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Picture: The Baxter Theatre