The curtain rises on the 2026 Hilton Arts Festival

Theatre-goers are in for a treat at this year’s Hilton Arts Festival, with a host of critically acclaimed productions set to be staged at the 34th edition of the event at Hilton College from August 7 to August 9.

British playwright Nick Payne’s Constellations, directed by Jay Pather, has recently played to rave reviews in Johannesburg.

Starring Mark Elderkin and Mwenya Kabwe, this captivating two-hander explores how the smallest choices can dramatically alter the course of our lives.

Blending love, science and quantum theory, it is a moving exploration of infinite possibility, heartbreak and hope.

Festival favourite, Paul Slabolepszy returns to Hilton with his brand new play, Midnight in Parys, which is enjoying an extended run at Pieter Torien’s Theatre in Johannesburg.

Described as “edge-of-your-seat theatre with an explosive finale”, this tender, topical and emotionally charged, the play explores the fragility of life and the choices that shape our lives, leaving audiences with much to reflect on long after the curtain falls.

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Another unmissable show is The Tramp, starring the award-winning actor, Daniel Anderson (Vincent), which reimagines the life of Charlie Chaplin through the eyes of his beloved alter ego, The Tramp.

Blending theatre, music and movement, the production features Chaplin’s own compositions alongside imaginative reinterpretations of pop, jazz, rock and musical theatre classics, offering a fresh perspective on the man behind the bowler hat.

Other dramas heading to the KZN Midlands include:

• The Opera Singer, starring Fiona Ramsay. When a celebrated opera diva, nearing the end of her career, meets a young journalist determined to capture her story, their encounter raises timeless questions about ambition, love, memory, loss and what it means to leave a lasting legacy.

• Rajesh Gopie’s Out of Bounds features 28 vividly drawn characters, which offer a humorous, heartfelt and deeply moving exploration of family, identity, culture and belonging.

• Athol Fugard’s celebrated South African classic, Master Harold…and the Boys, is a deeply autobiographical one-act play set in apartheid-era during the 1950s. It examines how systemic racism and personal shame fracture the loving relationship between a privileged white teenager and the two black men who have become his surrogate family.

• Shackleton recounts one of history’s greatest survival stories, Ernest Shackleton’s ambitious Antarctic expedition which descends into a desperate fight for survival after the Endurance is crushed by ice, leaving the crew stranded in one of the harshest environments on earth.

• Zakes Mda’s And the Girls in their Sunday Dresses is set against the backdrop of an economic crisis in Lesotho. The poignant drama follows two women from vastly different social backgrounds who meet while queuing for scarce essentials. As they share a chair and conversation, stories of love, loss, resilience and survival unfold in a moving exploration of class, dignity, friendship and hope.

• Weightless is a beautifully crafted physical theatre work which centres on the memories of neighbours living in a city apartment block. As a young girl’s story gradually unfolds, audiences discover a moving tale of grief, compassion and community.

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• Tim Plewman’s Epilogue is an honest, funny and deeply personal reflection on growing older. Moving effortlessly between laughter and heartbreak, the play explores the moments that shape our lives with warmth, wisdom and the masterful comic timing that has made Plewman one of SA’s most enduring performers.

• Netphlix, by multi-award-winning comedian Sophie Joans is a witty and inventive new show that asks one deceptively simple question: what makes a good story? In under an hour, this fearless fringe performer hilariously attempts to recreate the entire Netflix catalogue while reminding audiences of the unique magic of live theatre.

There is plenty for the comedy fans too.

Dalin Oliver returns to the stage with Stuck in Dubai, a hilarious new stand-up show inspired by an experience no traveller could have imagined.

While enroute to perform at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, conflict in the region left him stranded in Dubai for four days.

In true South African style, Dalin transformed an unexpected travel nightmare into comedy gold, finding laughter, love and plenty of lekkerness along the way.

Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert bring their signature blend of music, mayhem and laugh-out-loud sketch comedy to the festival in the high-energy theatrical romp, Bump & Grind.

Packed with unforgettable characters, dazzling costume changes, song and dance, it is guaranteed to leave audiences in stitches.

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Multi-award-winning comedy legend Rob van Vuuren brings his trademark mix of razor-sharp stand-up, outrageous storytelling and wonderfully unpredictable humour to what promises to be one of the comedy highlights of the festival.

Reprising his role as the hapless Lukas, award-winning writer and performer Louw Venter returns with Dead Dad, the darkly hilarious sequel to his smash hit The Best Man’s Speech.

Venter takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster as his character attempts to deliver his father’s eulogy – with predictably disastrous results.

McIlroy’s energetic one-man comedy, Rugby Mad, dives headfirst into the wonderfully obsessive world of rugby.

Bringing a colourful cast of characters to life, the show celebrates the passion, humour and unique culture surrounding the game.

Last, but not least there is The Most Amazing Show with Corné and Twakkie. For lovers of music, this year’s Hilton Arts Festival has two headline performances that are sure to sell out quickly.

Before influencers, podcasts and viral videos, there were Corné and Twakkie.

The cult comedy icons return to the stage with what promises to be their most ambitious, outrageous and gloriously unhinged live production yet.

Featuring Rob van Vuuren and Louw Venter, audiences can expect chaos, music, mayhem, razor-sharp satire and plenty of the wonderfully absurd humour that made these legendary characters household names.

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Arno Carstens is appearing at the festival for the first time with his bandmates, David Watkyns and Giovanni Serci.

The platinum-selling singer-songwriter and accomplished fine artist first rose to prominence as the iconic frontman of Springbok Nude Girls before launching a hugely successful solo career spanning eight acclaimed albums.

With his distinctive voice, compelling stage presence and fearless creativity,he continues to captivate audiences through both his music and visual art.

The Drakensberg Boys Choir are back in Hilton, bringing their trademark energy, versatility and world-class musicianship.

From traditional choral works to contemporary African rhythms, this promises to be one of the festival’s musical highlights.

Other live music on offer at Hilton includes:

• Jagged Little Tribute – The Music of Alanis Morissette: Relive the raw emotion, energy and unforgettable sound of the ’90s as Colin Peddie, Tory du Plessis, Paul Cassells and Marion Loudon pay tribute to one of the era’s most influential singer-songwriters.

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• The Carmen Rodrigues Show: Acclaimed vocalist, Carmen Rodrigues, joins leading musician and producer, Evan Roberts, for a bold new theatrical music experience. Beginning as an intimate story of love and loss, What We Become gradually expands into a moving reflection on the human condition.

• Bassey and Me: Tonya Koenderman celebrates the extraordinary career of Dame Shirley Bassey in this heartfelt musical tribute.

• Britney in the Underworld: Directed by Lisa Bobbert and starring Kaylee McIlroy, this visually striking theatrical production is inspired by Britney Spears’ memoir and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Set to the soundtrack of Britney’s greatest hits, the show explores fame, freedom and identity through an imaginative blend of music, movement and storytelling.

• Reflection – A Piano, A Barstool, A Lifetime: Samantha Landers and musical director, Garth Tavares, celebrate life’s twists, triumphs and unexpected turns using heartfelt songs with personal reflections.

• Karen and Me: This poignant and often humorous musical tribute celebrates the life and music of Karen Carpenter through the eyes of performer Shannon Kenny.

• Better Together – A Jack Johnson Tribute: The Black Lapels, joined by drummer Obed Ephraim, present a laid-back celebration of Jack Johnson’s much-loved catalogue.

• How To Cook Your Husband: Written by Janna Violante Ramos with Darren King and Lisa Bobbert, this deliciously dark comedy cabaret serves up murder, mayhem and music in equal measure. When Marjiet discovers her husband’s infidelity, she concocts an outrageous recipe for revenge, blending wicked humour with popular songs inspired by Chicago, Sweeney Todd, The Sound of Music and more.

• Going South: Created by husband-and-wife duo Nicolás and Katharina Rodríguez López of Hot Club D’Afrique, the show blends jazz, funk, alternative rock and pop.

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• The Mississippi & Me: Guenter ‘Soul Man’ Nerlich and guitarist Heinrich Pelser explore the rich traditions of blues, soul, rhythm and blues, rock ‘n’ roll and swing of the Mississippi Delta.

• Niveshan and Team: Accomplished Carnatic musician, Niveshan Munsamy, presents an inspiring concert celebrating the beauty, depth and expressive power of South Indian classical music.

• Giselle Niemand: Working with Grammy-nominated producer Manny Mijares, this young singer continues to build a reputation as one of the country’s most exciting emerging performers.

• Melanie Lowe: The Durban singer-songwriter returns to the stage following a break from live performance. She has built a respected career through emotionally honest songwriting and intimate live performances that resonate with audiences.

• Dubious Gurus: Iain ‘Ewok’ Robinson, Jeff Robinson and Logan Byrne combine poetry, jazz, hip-hop and spoken word in this unique performance celebrating rhythm, language and storytelling.

• Homegrown: Soprano Nozuko Teto, baritone Bongani Kubheka, saxophonist Maxine Matthews and pianist Christopher Duigan, will perform everything from operatic favourites to contemporary works for saxophone and piano.

• Opera Trios: Love Triangle: Three Opera UCT singers – soprano Mia-Lana Slier, mezzo-soprano Lilitha Nkuku and baritone Themba Mdlalose – accompanied by pianist, Dr Lisa Engelbrecht, play music by Handel, Mozart, Strauss, Gilbert & Sullivan, Bizet and Rossini.

• Guy Buttery: the award-winning multi-instrumentalist returns with the distinctive sound that has made him one of South Africa’s most celebrated musicians.

• Clifton Collective: Music, memories and magnificent musicianship come together in this uplifting concert by the Clifton Collective.

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Other attractions at this year’s Hilton Arts Festival include:

• Just Geekin’, which celebrates the vibrant worlds of gaming, comics, fantasy and pop culture, creating an exciting space for enthusiasts of all ages.

From eSports tournaments, trading card and tabletop games to cosplay, comic launches, workshops, film screenings and an Artist Alley, it introduces a new generation to the festival through creativity, storytelling and shared passions.

• The inaugural KZN Art Fair at Hilton Arts Festival, which celebrates the remarkable depth and diversity of the province’s visual arts sector while creating an important new platform for artists, galleries and collectors.

Hosted in Hilton College’s Memorial Hall, the professionally curated Fair will feature gallery presentations, talks, workshops, book launches and collector events, strengthening KwaZulu-Natal’s creative economy and further enhancing the Festival’s reputation as one of South Africa’s premier cultural events.

• The Design & Makers Quarter, where talented local artisans and designers showcase beautifully handcrafted pieces for the home, office and public spaces.

From ceramics, textiles and wall art to woodwork, crockery, soft furnishings and floor coverings, visitors will find original creations that combine exceptional craftsmanship with contemporary design.

• A film festival supported by KZN Tourism & Film, which will include a mix of feature films, documentaries and short films.

The 2026 edition of the Hilton Arts Festival will also include the usual bustling craft market, entertainment for the children, and the annual Jongosi Festival for schools.

The full festival programme can be viewed at www.hiltonfestival.co.za.

Booking for all the Hilton Arts Festival shows is through Webtickets.

Please note: There is a once-off entry of R100 per vehicle, which is valid for all three days of the event.