Masks are off and theatre curtains are up! Joburg's theatre scene and performance spaces are more vibrant than ever with comedy, drama, opera, ballet, orchestra performances, musicals, plenty of children's theatre and so much more on offer at venues across the city. There really is no excuse – book your tickets and support culture in this city.

From Shakespeare and modern theatre classics to family-friendly musicals, edgy and alternative performance art and intimate one-person plays, Joburg's theatres offer it all. Here’s our guide to the city's best performance spaces. 

THEATRE FOR KIDS

National Children’s Theatre 

A production of Puss in Boots at the National Children's Theatre in Parktown

Through a kaleidoscope of lively and engaging performances, original and enlightening musicals, and interactive after-school programmes, National Children’s Theatre’s year-round programme of matinees is a delight. Shows are aimed at children aged 3 years and older with two indoor stages and the outdoor 'Imagination Theatre' stage, as well as classrooms for the theatre's weekend workshop academy for kids. If your kid has budding theatrical talent, this is the place for it. 
Where: 3 Junction Ave, Parktown, nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za

People’s Theatre

Best for: Fun and affordable interactive kids productions with weekday and weekend matinees
The People's Theatre's production of Jungle Book Kids
The People's Theatre , housed in the Joburg Theatre Complex in Braamfontein, stages up to eight top-notch designed-for-kids' productions each year, with runs of between four and six weeks. For more than 30 years the theatre has continued to present colourful and engaging shows that offer plenty of audience interaction and aim to be both fun and educational. Parents can sign up their child for an annual kid’s club membership which grants members discounted tickets and a free ticket for performances close to your child's birthday. 
Where: Joburg Theatre complex, Cnr Loveday and Hoofd Sts, Braamfontein, peoplestheatre.co.za

THEATRES FOR STATE-OF-THE-ART PRODUCTIONS

Joburg Theatre

Best for: Blockbuster musicals, ballet and opera productions, and gala concerts
Joburg Theatre wows with its state-of-the-art structure that houses breathtaking productions
Joburg Theatre  is the biggest theatre complex in the city and is the place to watch major productions that boast impressive sets, dazzling special effects often with a cast packed with famous names. The signature Janice Honeyman pantomime hosted annually in November and December is one of the most anticipated productions for family fun. The main auditorium, the Mandela Theatre, seats 1069 people and regularly hosts major musicals as well as performances by Joburg Ballet and Mzansi Opera. The smaller Lesedi Theatre (251 seats) and Space.com (148 seats) stage drama and comedy by upcoming writers. 
Where:   163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, joburgtheatre.com

Teatro @ Montecasino

Best for: Big stage international musicals, dance shows and concerts
A 2016 production of War Horse at Teatro

State-of-the-art  Teatro @ Montecasino  in Fourways opened its doors in 2007 with the international stage phenomenon 'The Lion King' that broke box office records with a 36 week run. The theatre has since staged scores of other Broadway musicals with top-flight local cast members. These include Chicago, Mamma Mia!, The Phantom Of The Opera, Cats, Dreamgirls, Stomp, The Sound of Music and Jersey Boys to name just a few.  
Where:  Montecasino Casino and Entertainment Complex, Cnr William Nicol Dr and Witkoppen Rd, Fourways, montecasino.co.za

ARTHOUSE PRODUCTIONS AND AWARD-WINNING DRAMA

Market Theatre 

Best for:  20th and 21st Century South African and international theatre classics and new works by upcoming writers
The historic Market Theatre in Newtown
The Market Theatre was founded in 1976 on the site of the historic Indian Fruit Market in Newtown. The theatre became known around the world as South Africa's "Theatre of the Struggle” as it stood up to the apartheid regime, armed only with the opinion that culture can change society, staging productions with a multi-racial cast and bringing to life themes that confronted the realities of the time head on. Today the theatre focuses on developing and promoting new talent and is famous for its ground-breaking productions based on the works of local and international playwrights. If you are looking for the best of new African theatre and well as classic South African plays, this is a great place to start. Also look out for productions by the Market Theatre Workshop. 
Where:  Cnr Lilian Ngoyi St and Miriam Makeba St (Mary Fitzgerald Square), Newtown, markettheatre.co.za

The Centre For The Less Good Idea

Best for: Experimental and multi-disciplinary performances that mix art, dance, poetry, music and theatre
Phuphuma Love Minus directed by Nhlanhla Mahlangu and contemporary dancers Thulani Alfred Chauke and Xolisile Bongwana in Season 1 of Centre for the Less Good Idea. Photo by Stella Olivier
The Centre for The Less Good Idea is a unique cross-disciplinary, non-commercial performance space that acts as an incubator for creative collaborations, and the exploration of ideas about performance. Founded in 2016 by world-renowned artist William Kentridge at Arts on Main in Maboneng (next to the artist's studio), the Centre creates a rich ongoing programme of performances and projects, that start as collaborations and lead to live performances hosted as regular curated 'seasons'. Don't come here expecting classic narrative theatre. Productions are experimental and multi-disciplinary in nature combining sound, installation, animation and performance and most are only ever staged once.