031 THEATRE FESTIVAL 2025
- Maryke Dickinson
- May 30
- 3 min read
031 THEATRE FESTIVAL 2025
We are super excited to announce the annual 031 Theatre Festival coming to the
Seabrooke’s Theatre at DHS from the 6th to 8th June!
Spearheaded by Lisa Bobbert and Aaron Mcilroy (Macbob Productions) and Michael
Broderick (Theatresmiths) this year’s 031 festival will feature various productions that
are performing at this year’s National Arts Festival in Makhanda/Grahamstown,
allowing theatre lovers a special sneak preview.
I CAN BUY MYSELF FLOWERS
This year we are excited to welcome the acclaimed Cape Town actress,
Erika Breytenbach with her one-woman show - I can buy myself Flowers! Taking its
name from Miley Cyrus’ song that became an anthem for single women the world
over, I Can Buy Myself Flowers is a one-person comedy drama featuring Natalie
Jackson, an estate agent in her fifties, who entertains as she reflects on the ups and
downs of relationships, children, professional life and her women friendships.
BECOMING BENNO
Following phenomenal success at the Adelaide International Festival in Australia,
Fleur du Cap & Best of the Adelaide Fest award winner, Ben Voss, will tour
Becoming Benno to South Africa.
In this internationally acclaimed heartfelt comedy, Ben is detained by border officials
at Sydney Airport due to an issue with his Permanent Residency Visa. Will he be
admitted or sent back to SA? Becoming Benno is for anyone who has ever
considered making another country home. With best-selling author John van de Ruit
(of Spud fame) as dramaturge & South African theatre legend Michael Richard
directing, Becoming Benno is an absolute gem.
ETHEL
Lisa Bobbert’s tribute cabaret to the Incomparable Ethel Merman- the voice that
defined Broadway. Get ready for Broadway brilliance as acclaimed actress, Lisa
Bobbert presents, her latest one-woman cabaret tribute to the Queen of Musical
Theatre - Ethel Merman. Celebrating her life, legacy, powerful voice and iconic
performances in classic Broadway musicals.
Join Lisa as she pays tribute to Ethel Merman's remarkable career, performing
beloved songs from Merman's extensive repertoire. From "Gypsy" to "Call Me
Madam," directed by Darren King, this show is a must-see for all musical theatre
lovers.
COMEDY GAMES
In the olden days (1993) some crazy Drama graduates - inspired by the BBC TV
show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”-put together a team of actors and created the hit
theatre improv show - Comedy Games. Now the original theatre show starring
Patrick Kenny as MC is back with a hot new team of ISPA’s finest young actors.
Comedy Games is the show that lets you, the audience, write the script.
With fresh new games and a hot new cast from the ISPA, the audience can be
guaranteed to be rolling in the aisle with laughter.
ADHD
Join Aaron McIlroy as he revisits one of his favourite one-man shows - ADHD!
Facts and theories are turned on their heads as we get a bird’s eye view into the
chaotic and beautiful mind of Aaron McIlroy, who has lived with this ‘gift’ for the last
half century. Quips Aaron: “If not exactly autobiographical, I certainly have inside
information!”
The veteran comic’s hugely popular brand of humour has spiced up the theatre
scene over several decades. Billed as a comedic steamroller without GPS, ADHD is
scripted by Aaron McIlroy and Patrick Kenny and directed by Kenny.
DATE NIGHT
The 031 Theatre Festival is set to conclude on a high note with the hilarious musical
comedy, Date Night, starring Aaron Mcilroy and Lisa Bobbert. This side-splitting
show will take place on Sunday, the 8th of June at 6pm at The Seabrookes Theatre
at Durban High School and promises to leave audiences in stitches.
Date Night is a musical comedy that explores the ups and downs of romantic
relationships. With Aaron and Lisa's comedic chemistry and witty banter, this show is
sure to delight couples and comedy fans alike.
PROGRAMME
Friday 6th June:
I Can Buy Myself Flowers - 6pm
Becoming Benno - 8pm
Saturday 7th June:
Ethel - 2pm
I Can Buy Myself Flowers - 4pm
Becoming Benno - 6pm
Comedy Games - 8pm
Sunday 8th June:
ADHD - 2pm
Ethel - 4pm
Date Night - 6pm
VENUE
Seabrooke’s Theatre, Durban High School, Saint Thomas Road, Musgrave, Durban,
South Africa
BOOK NOW
