Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween with 'Sweeney Todd' and 'Musical Chairs' on stage

Halloween is almost upon us. 

Sjoe, this year has gone by pretty fast. Of course, we’ve been kept entertained by some phenomenal stage productions along the way. 

If you are looking for a spooking good time, then “Sweeney Todd - The Musical” is worth checking out at Die Centurion Teatre.

It promises an unforgettable world-class theatrical experience, from its vengeance-seeking story and dark humour to its haunting score. 

So here’s what you can expect if you plan on attending. If you have gone for a front-row seat, prepare for a blood-spattered experience. It’s called the “splash zone” for good reason. 

Mrs Lovett’s pie shop will be serving freshly baked offerings. It’s called exotic for a reason, and questions about the filling won’t go down well. 

This is the part a lot of theatregoers are going to love. You get to dress the part. Dig out your most terrifying look that aligns with the dark streets of Victorian London. 

“This isn’t just a show; it’s an event,” say directors Tiaan Kirsten-Lubbe and Lian Sachse. “We want audiences to feel the grit of Fleet Street, smell the pies, and maybe even dodge a splash or two. Halloween is the perfect time to embrace the macabre, and ‘Sweeney’Todd delivers it in spades.”

The cast is led by Brett Krüger as Sweeney Todd, the vengeful barber, and Ashleigh Hilton as the devious Mrs Lovett. They are supported by Kyle Cronjé, Mbali Hlomela, Christian Martinez, Wilf Mahne, Erich Jordaan, Tiaan Kirsten-Lubbe and Ntshikeng Matooane,  to name a few. 

Where: Die Centurion Teater.

When: October 23 - November 1.

Musical Chairs

The title says it all. 

“Musical Chairs” is a dynamic and thought-provoking production. It seamlessly blends street dance styles such as amapiano, hip hop, house and campbellocking with classical music, physical theatre and social commentary.

Written and choreographed by Genesis Shirindza, the play boldly explores society's interaction with social media and its overwhelming power.

 It reinterprets a familiar childhood game as a powerful testament to intimacy, understanding, and shared rhythm. The production masterfully blends family-friendly entertainment with thought-provoking themes for adults.

“We‘re bringing together two worlds that often feel separate - street dance and traditional theatre,” says Lyndon Peterson, reflecting on the production’s boundary-breaking nature. “This collision of styles is stunning and introduces a new appreciation for both forms, especially for younger generations.”

Where: Theatre on the Square.

When: From October 23 until November 8.