Sandton’s Theatre on the Square is set to dazzle this festive season with a spectacular mix of comedy, music, and theatre running into early 2026.

• Schalk Bezuidenhout kicks off the festive season with his hilarious KRISMIS variety show, guaranteed to get audiences laughing.
• Netflix favourite Gilli Apter brings The Hilarious Deep Amazing Comedy Show back to Johannesburg for a limited run.
• The summer season also features Friday Classical Music Lunch Hour Concerts and Sunday jazz evenings, catering to every taste.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

Sandton’s beloved Theatre on the Square is set to dazzle audiences this festive season and well into early 2026, offering a vibrant mix of comedy, music, and theatre that promises to delight locals and visitors alike. Curated by the talented Daphne Kuhn, the season celebrates the magic of live performance, combining laughter, reflection, music, and connection in a truly unmissable offering.

This season captures everything we love about theatre – laughter, reflection, music and connection. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the year and start 2026 inspired.

// Theatre on the Square Owner and Producer, Daphne Kuhn

A Festive Kick-Off With Schalk Bezuidenhout (14 – 16 November 2025)

November at Theatre on the Square begins with a bang, as South African comedy favourite Schalk Bezuidenhout brings his festive KRISMIS variety show to the stage. Known for his sharp wit and infectious energy, Schalk transforms the theatre into a riot of holiday cheer. The night promises a mix of jokes, surprise guests, and festive fun that is guaranteed to get audiences into the Christmas spirit. With a line-up of both renowned and brand-new acts, KRISMIS is billed as the perfect holiday treat for families, friends, and comedy lovers.

Stuart Taylor Returns With ‘Odd Man Out’ (17 – 23 November 2025)

Following the festive laughs, award-winning comedian Stuart Taylor returns from Cape Town with his Ovation Award-winning hit Odd Man Out. This witty and heart-warming show delves into the hilarity of life’s many awkward moments. From Stuart’s teenage years as a magic-obsessed misfit to navigating the challenges of parenting two teenage boys, audiences are in for a roller-coaster of laughter and relatable chaos. With reflections on suburban life, middle-age dilemmas, and the quest to balance career, family, and personal identity, Odd Man Out promises a comedic exploration of life’s quirks with Stuart’s trademark humour.

Gilli Apter Brings The Hilarious Deep Amazing Comedy Show (25 – 30 November 2025)

Rounding off November is Netflix sensation Gilli Apter with The Hilarious Deep Amazing Comedy Show, a sharp and insightful reflection on modern life, politics, and relationships. Gilli, internationally acclaimed and currently based in London, returns to Johannesburg to deliver a performance that blends biting humour with relatable observations. From parenting, AI, ADHD, and identity politics to crime comparisons between Joburg and Switzerland, Gilli’s show tackles contemporary issues with wit and charm. Fans can expect an evening of laughter and introspection, enhanced by possible appearances from special guest comedians. The show has previously sold out across Europe and South Africa, underscoring Gilli’s global appeal.

A Musical Christmas Celebration: The Jingle Belles (3 – 13 December 2025)

As December arrives, the Theatre on the Square transforms into a glittering 1960s wonderland with The Jingle Belles, a brand-new festive musical co-produced by Origen Productions. Written and directed by Emma Amber, and featuring choreography by Hannah Van Lennep, this nostalgic production celebrates the holiday season with heart, harmony, and toe-tapping fun. From the cast that brought audiences The Marvelous Wonderettes, The Jingle Belles tells the story of four captivating female characters bringing the magic of Christmas to life in Springfield High.

Audiences are treated to a rich repertoire of classic Christmas songs, including “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree”, “Santa Baby”, and “Jingle Bell Rock”, brought to life with intricate choreography and a heart-warming storyline. From quirky, light-hearted moments to emotionally resonant scenes, this production promises to capture the essence of the season, offering a perfect festive outing for families and theatre-goers of all ages. And who knows – Santa himself might even make an appearance.

Honouring Iconic Talent: Amy Winehouse – The Diva and Her Demons (15 – 25 January 2025)

The new year opens with Amy Winehouse – The Diva and Her Demons, an intimate award-winning production marking fifteen years since the late singer’s passing. Featuring Kerry Hiles, Roscoe Nefdt, and Kristo Zondag, the show celebrates Amy’s raw talent, humour, and unforgettable legacy. Audiences are invited to experience the singer’s extraordinary story, her musical genius, and the complexities of her life in a powerful theatrical tribute.

World Premieres and Returning Classics

February introduces a world premiere with Luc Albinski’s moving play Nobody Told Me, directed by Ilina Perianova and Renos Spanoudes. Inspired by a true story of courage and compassion during World War II, the play promises to be a compelling exploration of resilience and human spirit.

Rounding off the summer season, fans can look forward to the return of the much-loved musical The Tramp, written and directed by Amanda Bothma, with Daniel Anderson portraying Charlie Chaplin and Paul Ferreira on piano. The production offers a touching, beautifully performed portrait of one of cinema’s most iconic figures, blending humour, music, and theatrical artistry in a celebration of Charlie Chaplin’s genius.

Live Music and Special Concerts

In addition to its evening productions, Theatre on the Square continues to offer its popular Friday Classical Music Lunch Hour Concerts, giving audiences a mid-day cultural fix amid the festive season. Jazz enthusiasts can also enjoy a selection of special Sunday evening performances, ensuring there’s something for every taste throughout the summer months.

Looking Ahead: Theatre Highlights of 2026

Theatre-goers can also anticipate exciting upcoming productions, including the Joburg Film Festival, The Opera Singer written and directed by Janna Ramos-Violante, Paul Slabolepszy’s The Return of Elvis Du Pisanie, and The Albie Sachs Story: Fathers, Sons and Soft Revenge. These productions promise to continue the theatre’s tradition of offering diverse, thought-provoking, and entertaining live experiences.

Celebrating the Magic of Theatre

With a season that spans comedy, musicals, world premieres, and intimate tributes, Theatre on the Square remains a cultural cornerstone in Sandton. Daphne Kuhn and her team have curated a line-up that captures the joy, reflection, and connection that only live performance can deliver. From festive cheer and laughter to heartfelt storytelling and musical brilliance, the theatre offers residents and visitors a perfect way to celebrate the festive season and step into the new year inspired.

As we head into the festive season and the new year, our stage is alive with stories that move and inspire. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate the joy of live theatre.

// Theatre on the Square Owner and Producer, Daphne Kuhn

With an unparalleled mix of festive fun, international comedy, timeless musicals, and compelling drama, Theatre on the Square promises a summer season that will leave audiences laughing, reflecting, and inspired. Whether you’re seeking holiday cheer, cultural enrichment, or simply a night out to celebrate the magic of live performance, Sandton’s premier theatre is the place to be.

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