* A Dolls Life: Confessions of a Quarter Life Crisis – explores the raw realities of young adulthood.  A bold and hilarious one-woman show, written and performed by Micaela Jade Tucker and directed by Lara Toselli, this Cape Town hit dives into love, loss and awkward life moments with sharp wit and fearless honesty.

* Bitter Winter – the inimitable Paul Slabolepszy’s latest smash hit, Bitter Winter, follows revered classical actor Jean-Louis Lourens and rising TV sensation Prosper Mangane, as they clash, and connect, while auditioning for the blockbuster “Six Guns at Sesriem”. Their personal and professional journeys intertwine, revealing unexpected humour, deep humanity, and the enduring power of storytelling. Directed by Lesedi Job, and starring André Odendaal, Orabile Ditsele, and Chantal Stanfield.

* The Hollow Crown – regal recital that embodies the foibles, follies and faces of British monarchs, The Hollow Crown brings history to life with wit, drama and elegance. Directed by top Shakespearean director Fred Abrahamse, this masterful balance of drama and satire features Fiona Ramsay, Graham Hopkins, Marcel Meyer and Matthew Baldwin. Enjoy what has been described as a binge-series for the stage, ‘… it’s Game of Thrones, Bridgerton and the Crown rolled into one unforgettable afternoon of literary finesse, elegance and right royal splendour.’

* To Life, With Love – has been described as a ‘love letter to life’, a ‘captivating and riveting piece’ and ‘a play that everyone should see to embrace topics we’d rather avoid’. Written by the multiple award-winning playwright, Mike van Graan To Life, With Love is a poetic reflection on the highs, the challenges and especially, the gift of life. It is performed by acclaimed radio broadcaster and actor, John Maytham.

* Woza Albert – is a landmark of social theatre in South Africa and remains a significant cultural commentary on resilience, community, and the ongoing quest for equality and justice in South Africa. Written by Percy Mtwa, Barney Simon and Mbongeni Ngema, directed by Menzi Mbuli, performed by Sabelo Magwaza and Nkanyiso Mazibuko.

* Written and performed by South African theatre legend Andrew Buckland, The Ugly Noo Noo is a comic and political masterwork that first stunned audiences in 1988. Winner of 17 international awards, it remains as biting and brilliant as ever. If you’ve never seen it live, this is your chance to witness a piece of theatrical history.

* Immortal is a true story. In 1911, a train, carrying stone from Bathurst for the building of the Cathedral in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape, went off the Blaauwkrantz River bridge killing most of the passengers…except for a little 7-year-old girl called Hazel, who somehow got caught in the girders of the bridge and survived, while the rest of her family perished. It’s a heartbreaking tale about a little girl who survives a catastrophe against all odds. Written by Peter Terry, directed by Sharon Spiegel Wagner, starring Penny Wolhuter.

* A hit at the 2024 National Arts Festival, Making Wine in Scotland is a dystopian love story with bite. Set in a world on the brink, it follows two people fighting a system built to break them. Written by Ovation Award-winner Ter Hollmann and directed by Roberto Pombo (The Agents), this play blends satire, romance and climate urgency in a gripping, fast-paced narrative.

The Funny Stuff…

* Schalk Bezuidenhout LIVE is back at Hilton and funnier than ever! Come and see Schalk perform entertaining stories in a humorous way, or otherwise put…come watch Schalk do stand-up comedy.

* A musical-comedy-drama charts a decade in a woman’s life where she tries to balance being an actress, wife, mother and general human being. Actress is assisted and emotionally supported by Random Prop Guy. Talia Kodesh stars in this funny, heartfelt story, that features original music by Bruce Dennill.

* Durban’s favourite comedic couple, Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert, bring their hit musical comedy Date Night to Hilton. Packed with laugh-out-loud songs and larger-than-life characters, this show dives headfirst into the madness of relationships, marriage, and middle age.

*NAMASTE BAE: Bleassings & Kombucha – Rob van Vuuren returns as viral wellness guru Namaste Bae in this satirical show that pokes fun at the self-help industry while offering a laugh-a-minute spiritual detox. Winner of the Gold Ovation Award and a hit from London to Makhanda.

*What happens when your new life is stopped at the airport gate? Becoming Benno follows Ben Voss’s comic and moving journey as a hopeful immigrant, with his wife and child, after being detained at Sydney Airport. Inspired by true events and superbly performed by Ben, this one-man show unpacks identity, family, being a South African, and what it takes to start a new life elsewhere. Directed by Michael Richard with dramaturgy by John van de Ruit. (Best of the Adelaide Fest Award Winner.)

If you’re looking for a touch of Nostalgia, you’ve come to the right place!

* Local theatre darling, Lisa Bobbert brings Broadway legend Ethel Merman roaring back to life in this dazzling one-woman cabaret Ethel. It’s a fast, funny, and moving tribute to the woman whose voice defined musical theatre. If you love big voices and unforgettable stories, this one’s for you. Directed by Darren King.

* Shackleton is a gripping story of endurance and survival against impossible odds. In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton set out on an Antarctic expedition that would test every limit of the human spirit, when his ship, Endurance, was trapped in the ice. What followed became one of the greatest rescue stories of all time. Brought to life through physical theatre, striking visuals and powerful performances, littered with humour, Shackleton is a memorable journey into courage, leadership, and hope. Starring Brett de Groot.

* Musical theatre star, Stephan van der Walt, pays tribute to the golden Gods of tap & toe, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelley, in a dazzling one-man homage packed with flair and a whole lot of fancy footwork. Song & Dance Man, is written and directed by award-winning Brett de Groot.

• Then there’s the Music…Lots of it!

* Step back into the groove with Funk the Disco, the new retro-fuelled ride from “That 70s Band”. This show brings the hits of James Brown, ABBA, Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson and more to life. Bring your crew, dress to move and get ready for a night that’s pure disco joy.

* Durban’s, Evan Cullum brings Piano Man to the Hilton Arts Festival for the first time after a run of sold-out shows. This tribute to piano legends features hits by Ray Charles, Elton John, Billy Joel, Jerry Lee Lewis and more. Piano Man is pure musical joy. Expect singalongs, foot-tapping favourites and an electrifying celebration of the keys.

* From seven singles to streaming, Jou Ma Se Platespeler is a nostalgic and proudly Afrikaans celebration of nearly 100 years of music. Join Kerry Hiles, Kristo Zondagh and Rob Thompson as they take you on a musical journey through the stories, sounds and eras that shaped generations from Chris Blignaut to Karen Zoid. Expect brilliant vocals, tight instrumentals, and a show that’s part memory lane, part live concert, and all heart.

* Amy Winehouse – the diva and her demons – a powerful tribute and cautionary tale that celebrates the talent of Amy Winehouse featuring Kerry Hiles. If we want to understand Amy Winehouse, we need to understand how she lived, and this award-winning show, featuring 12 of Amy’s hits acoustically interpreted for a live trio, depicts just that. You will be exposed to her jazz roots, soul-stirring vocals and the personal battles of this once-in-a-generation talent. NOTE: Contains explicit language.

* Musicians Dave Starke (The Voice SA) and Nish Pillay (SA’s Got Talent) share a decade-long story of grit, growth and great music. From casino gigs to opening for Grammy winner Ben Harper, this folk-fusion duo brings you Journeymen, an evening of original songs and stories. Featuring guitar, voice and tabla, the show reflects their journey from petrol station pies to sold-out shows. Honest, warm, and rooted in South African soul, it’s music that moves.

* Hot Club d’Afrique is an all-acoustic, four-piece Gypsy Jazz band. Their music pays tribute to the original “Quintette du Hot Club de France”, founded in 1934 by Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli. The Hot Club name refers to the Swing Jazz of the 1930s, known at the time as ‘hot jazz’, or in France, as ‘le jazz hot’.

• And there’s More…Dance, Physical Theatre and Film

* The Hilton Arts Festival is thrilled to have this fascinating dance work from the FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY at the Festival this year –  performed outdoors and amongst the trees, The Cleansing by is a ritual of movement and poetry that honours our sacred bond with the Earth. With choreography by Lliane Loots and evocative words by poet Iain Ewok Robinson, this powerful work blends dance and spoken word in a visceral call for ecological and social justice. Loosely inspired by Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, the piece asks what we are willing to sacrifice for renewal, hope and healing.

* Once Upon A Teacup – explores the journey of a young girl growing up in Africa, her name is Violet. It explores the notion and power of imagination and the toll it takes under pop culture constructs, social media, and the inevitable pressure of growing up. Starring Jessica Haines Directed by James Cunningham.

* Preceded by amazing reviews, environmental film, Blue Burning is a collaboration between filmmakers Janet Solomon and Viki van den Barselaar Smith, who bring their complementary skills to bear, on a significant and sinister aspect of South Africa’s economic development strategy. The SA government, driven by a vision of a national petroleum company, is pushing for 30 new offshore oil and gas wells by 2030.

This film is the story of the growing social opposition to these plans, uniting fisher and traditional healer collectives, coastal communities, Indigenous groups, scientists, environmental NGOs, academics and the general public in defence of the ocean commons and climate futures, in what has been described as the biggest environmental campaign of South Africa’s history. Expect a visually stunning, well-paced movie with a magnificent musical score.

The Kids Stuff…For the younger set, there’s everything from puppets and story-telling to physical theatre.

*Dads GoneRogue – in this riotous physical theatre and puppet-filled escapade, Dad is left solo with the kids – and chaos reigns. As toys fly and routines crumble, he wonders: How did Mom do it? A heartfelt, hilarious dive into parenting gone rogue.

*Tales to Tell, Wings to Fly – join internationally acclaimed storyteller Gcina Mhlope and be transported into the world of imagination! Meet twins Langa and Nyanga. They love nature and stories. They watch the migrating birds who land at their lakeside village and all the children always ran to welcome them.  Langa and Nyanga try very hard to imagine the many places these birds have seen with their tiny eyes from up in the sky and dream of them taking them back into the past and way into the future.

* Based on Alex Latimer’s hit book, The Boy Who Cried Ninja the production follows a boy caught in a world of strange events, confused parents and one brilliant plan to set things right. Adapted by Jenine Collocott and performed by Lisa Derryn Overy, Roberto Pombo and Collocott herself, this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud show has been nominated for a Naledi Theatre Award.

* Sthandwa and The Nature Thieves – intent on finding out why she is no longer able to communicate with the natural world, Sthandwa, our heroine, is entrusted with a secret formula that will restore order. But first she needs to overcome her fear and confront the Nature Thieves, who are responsible for the degraded state of the planet. Directed by Ralph Lawson, performed by Mpilo Nzimande, Nozipho Chiliza and Nkonzo Zozi.

* Msizi is a heartwarming story of a fractured community brought together through kindness and imagination. Inspired by Zulu folklore and real stories from rural KwaZulu-Natal. Follow Thandi and a grief-stricken man named Msizi as they journey through a village where dreams and reality intertwine. Created by a passionate team of rural artists, this family show is both enchanting and meaningful.

*The classic tale,  gets a fresh twist in this enchanting visual theatre version of Peter and the Wolf. Featuring simple puppetry, physical theatre and Sergei Prokofiev’s iconic music, the story unfolds with charm and imagination. Narrated by William le Cordeur and performed by Lidgetton Theatre Company, this 30-minute show is the perfect introduction to classical music and theatre for young audiences.

Take this opportunity to enjoy the magnificent Midlands with the international birding company, Rockjumper, who are back with a great new line-up of exhibitions, lectures, guided walks and drives on the Hilton estate and at Karkloof Spa in the Ihlanze Game Reserve.

And Classic Car enthusiasts take note… Retro Rides is back.  Get ready to rev your engines and take a trip down memory lane as this extravaganza on wheels, motors into town.  Immerse yourself in a enviable selection of beautifully restored vehicles and rare models from some of the world’s most renowned manufacturers.

Entrance for the weekend is a once-off cost of R100 per car, valid for three days.

ABOUT THE HILTON ARTS FESTIVAL

With Hilton College as the hosting sponsor, The Hilton Arts Festival (HAF) has been taking place at Hilton College in KwaZulu-Natal, for 32 years, providing a platform in KZN for the pick of South African theatre, music, visual arts and quality crafts.

Administered by the Arts Trust of South Africa (ATSA), the HAF is the largest and only festival of its kind in KZN and enjoys national and international recognition.

In addition to the Main Festival, the HAF curates a school’s programme called Jongosi, a word coined and given by Johnny Clegg to the Festival, embodying all that is strong and young. Focused on the youth, Jongosi offers lectures, performances and workshops to over 2000 learners from Grades 7 to 12, encouraging artistic  endeavour, art appreciation and education and highlighting the many and varied advantages the arts contribute to a happy, healthy and balanced society – such as life skills, EQ, lateral thinking and an interest in learning.

The success of The Hilton Arts Festival over the years has been as a result of the wonderful support of our country’s arts/ artistic communities, both corporate and small business and the dedicated public who support us by buying tickets and spreading the word, year after year!