Author: Michael Salzwedel

A witty, exciting and astutely performed physical comedy. Gaeton Schmidt keeps the audience engaged, entertained and enlightened with his charming and fiercely energetic performance. The minimal set and lighting allow Schmidt’s masterful use of body and voice to come to the fore. A tour de force. DB

Big Boys Don’t Dance…. Unless they’re good. The sometimes weak humour rooted in gender stereotypes is amply compensated for by the energy and quality of the clever choreography. Fusing many classical and contemporary dance forms, with allusions to the dance-like qualities of martial arts and sports, the show proves popular with audiences of all ages. RR

Post-apocalypse, somewhere in South Africa, two survivors encounter each other and face off in a struggle for survival. The play deals with hostility and hospitality, sharing and stealing, trust and betrayal, generosity and selfishness. A brilliantly versatile set, evocative sound effects and gifted actors combine to make this a thoroughly enjoyable show. HH

The show features four different styles: Smit's butoh piece is discomfiting and moody, juxtaposing grace and awkwardness. Mbambaza's exquisite work is contained and soulful. His influence in the Youth Company piece reveals innocence and potential. The final work has Laric interpreting individual expressions of collective rituals which are both fraught and poignant. CK

This piece is very moving with traditional isiXhosa dancing and singing. The piece is performed predominantly by pre- teens and teenagers. One can't help tap their feet, and hum along to the contagious singing and skilled drumming which makes up the music. The young boy's praise-singing gives goose- bumps. GM

An eerie piece of family theatre for children and adults above ten years old. It tells the story of a six-year-old child that has to face his demons. The piece uses shadow puppets to tell parts of the story with a strong performance by the two actors. Sound effects are also used successfully. JH

Ubom! Eastern Cape Drama Company presents an interactive physical theatre piece geared for enjoyment by the whole family. An Oriental fable performed with a contemporary South African flavour, this sweet tale is brought to life with mime, song and dance. The energetic cast captivate the little imaginations, lovely to see. ROMI

Nicholas Ellenbogen brings a new cast, adventure and venue for a fresh take on the tea trade – starring Dame Judy Dench (almost) as Queen Victoria, plus cameo appearances by Sherlock Holmes, Dr Watson and Moriarty. "Age does not wither him, nor custom stale, his infinite variety"; a belly good laugh to start the day. MW

Family reunions bring out a tendency in siblings to regress. They act like they did when the cookie jar was still out of reach, and chasing your brother around the dinner table was common practice before the family could sit down to eat.

When a crime has been committed and the prosecution or defence relies on evidence of voice recordings to prove their case, forensic linguist Paul Foulkes reveals that it is the work of phoneticians like himself who can ultimately bring about justice.