Start the countdown to 2018 early in all-South African style, with the highly acclaimed musical King Kong, at the Fugard Theatre at 2pm on Sunday 31 December.
Presented by Eric Abraham and the Fugard Theatre, the production of historic, South African musical King Kong returns by overwhelming demand for the summer season.
The special New Year’s Eve performance takes place at 2pm on Sunday 31 December. Patrons will be able to enjoy a glass of complimentary South African Cap Classique sparkling wine after the performance for each ticket purchased and the Fugard’s two fully stocked bars include a range of wines from some of the Cape’s top estates. The bars will close at 7.30pm.
More than half a century since the first performance in 1959, the Fugard Theatre’s production of King Kong features an all-South African cast and stellar creative team, and has been described as “Five stars” “a knock-out success”, “simply magnificent”, “a tribute to South Africa’s performance arts legacy” and “a theatrical treat”.
King Kong is the quintessential South African musical
“What better way to start the countdown to 2018 than celebrating our world-class local talent,” says Daniel Galloway, the Executive Director of the Fugard Theatre.
“King Kong is the quintessential South African musical with a proud heritage and our 2017 production features a phenomenal all-South African cast. Guests can enjoy some of our finest local wines, and take in the sweeping views of Table Mountain and the City from our rooftop bar, before heading off with their friends and family to herald in the New Year.”
King Kong tells the story of heavyweight fifties boxing champion Ezekiel Dlamini whose self-appointed ring name was “King Kong” to the wildly exhilarating music of Todd Matshikiza. The original production helped in part to launch the international careers of Miriam Makeba, among others.
Performing the iconic role of shebeen queen Joyce is powerhouse Edith Plaatjies, (District Six: Kanala; Orpheus in Africa, Blood Brothers, Radio Classics, Kaapse Musiek In Kleur), with acting, singing and dancing star Andile Gumbi (The Lion King, isiBaya) reprising his performance in the title role as King Kong.
A live 9-piece band, under the direction of Sipumzo Trueman Lucwaba, accompanies the action at every performance.
King Kong is directed by Jonathan Munby and Musical Direction by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder
The original production featured music by Todd Matshikiza, lyrics and original book by Pat Williams and book by Harry Bloom.
WHERE: The Fugard Theatre, Corner Caledon & Lower Buitenkant Street, District Six, Cape Town, 8001
WHEN: The New Year’s Eve performance of King Kong starts at 2pm on Sunday 31 December. TICKETS: cost from R180 – R280 and include a complimentary glass of Cap Classique after the show. The Fugard Theatre bar will close at 7.30pm. Bookings at Webtickets and through the Fugard Theatre Box office on 021 461 4554.
King Kong runs at the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town until 18 February Tuesday to Saturdays at 8pm with a matinee at 3pm on Saturdays and on Sundays at 4pm.
Tickets for other performances cost from R130 to R280.
INFO: visit
