Bravery, kindness and love take centre stage this weekend in Cape Town

If you’re looking for something whimsical, warm and just a little bit magical to add to your weekend plans, "The Princess and the Pea" at Masque Theatre might be exactly what the fairy-tale doctor ordered.

Taking to the stage this weekend, the classic story gets a fresh theatrical glow-up that’s perfect for families, theatre lovers and anyone who believes a good story never really goes out of style.

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved tale, the production leans into charm, humour and heart.

At its centre is a princess who arrives at the palace soaked, tired and claiming royal status - a bold move, honestly - and a queen determined to find out if she’s the real deal. Enter the pea. Tiny, green and about to cause a very long night.

This version, though, takes "The Princess and the Pea" to a whole new level of fun, heart and mischief.

Audiences will discover that the recipe for a true hero calls for a pinch of bravery, a dash of honour, a swig of dry humour, and a teaspoon of something truly special.

Princess Anika must learn what it really means to be a just ruler, young Eli has to figure out how to stand up for himself, and dear Stefan comes to realise he is more than just his looks.

Meanwhile, Pepper, the vivacious chef, is on hand to teach everyone how to rip up the recipe of life entirely.

The production doesn’t just rely on storytelling alone. This year, it serves up a musical feast with plenty of local flavour, featuring the rhythms of Freshly Ground, Jesse and Johnny Clegg, and Shekhinah.

For extra fun, there’s a sprinkle of Shakira (you know the song), Adam Lambert, Meghan Trainor, and even a touch of Disney thrown in.

Where: The Masque Theatre.

When: From January 8 to 11. Check online booking times. 

Colleen the Musical

Marc Lottering’s "Colleen the Musical" continues to delight audiences this January.

The musical blends humour, heart and relatable South African life, turning the everyday world of supermarket tills and routines into a vibrant, laugh-filled story.

Themes of love, self-worth, friendship and unexpected connections run throughout, while critics praise its clever writing, sharp wit and genuine tenderness beneath the comedy, celebrating ordinary life and relationships with joyous energy and relatable character moments.

Where: The Pam Golding Theatre at The Baxter.

When: Runs until January 10, show times vary.