New Pop-up Theatre Opens – ‘Live At The Balalaika’

The famous Protea Hotel by Marriott® Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton celebrates its 70th Birthday this year. It was the only hotel seventy years ago in Sandton and the original venue that hosted live entertainment fifty years ago has now created a Pop-Up Theatre called ‘Live at the Balalaika’.

This Pop-Up Theatre, has a prime location in the hub of the Sandton Precinct and is opposite the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

‘Live at the Balalaika’ has been refurbished and has seating for 180 people. It is an ideal Pop-Up Theatre space as actors and musicians can perform in a non-intimidating space. Sound, lighting and a TV screen have been installed to enhance the experience that audiences will receive. The aim of this Pop-Up Theatre is to accommodate people in the myriads of hotels in the Sandton precinct who have nothing to do during the week and/or weekends.

There are numerous bars in the hotel and close to the Pop-Up Theatre is the famous ‘Bull Run’ restaurant with some of the best steaks in Johannesburg. After the show patrons can have a night cap at the Dollar Bar.

‘Live at the Balalaika’ will open on 6 March and shows will be on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 8pm and a Sunday matinee at 3pm.

Defending the Caveman – Tim Plewman (8 – 29 March)

Come and have a last laugh with Legendary actor Tim Plewman in his first ‘farewell season’.

The ‘only original’ master of ‘Defending the Caveman’ is back from standing ovations in Perth and Las Vegas and is now at the Pop-Up Theatre in The Balalaika Hotel.

Caveman still holds the record as the longest running non-musical comedy of all time on Broadway. What more can be said about this wonderful show that so humorously exposes the hunter and gatherer in us all and has played to over a million people?

Considered one of South Africa’s best solo comedies, Defending the Caveman explores the complexities of romance and relationships with truthful hilarity. Through his Caveman, Plewman ensures his audiences spend the show in stitches but walk away with something to think about.

This new production has been updated to reflect today’s world of tweeting, selfies and Facebook but still consists of the core comedy about why men and women see the world so differently. The show is the longest running solo play in Broadway history and has been seen in over 40 countries.

Testament to this is the fact that his audiences keep coming back

“Saw this play must be more than 20 times and willing to see it 20 more.” – Elaine Meyer Upper Crust.

“Laugh? I nearly died! This play is not an exercise in soul-searching, it’s a belly laugh and I must bring my wife ” – said Geoffrey Matengi SAfm with tears rolling down his cheeks

“Here is the artistry of the human heart conveyed in a language that can only make you laugh till you cry.” – Arts Journalist.

‘Defending the Caveman’ opens on 8 – 29 March 2019 and has shows Friday, Saturday and a Sunday matinee throughout March excluding 31 March.

Viva Las Vegas – The Ultimate Tribute Show (6 -31 March)

Shaky Russell is one of today’s top Elvis Presley / fifties and sixties tribute performers with a style and energy that resonates that of the King himself. ‘ Viva Las Vegas’ starring Shaky Russell and a star studded cast, LIVE AT THE BALALAIKA – The Balalaika Hotel Sandton.

“Viva Las Vegas” is a show that will keep audience members on the edge of their seats with Shaky’s array of custom-made costumes and energetic performance. With his incredible vocal range and resemblance, Shaky Russell and a star studded cast will perform more than 20 of Elvis’ greatest hits. Experience the songs, the moves and the voice that created a worldwide phenomenon that had never been seen before.

The show captures the onstage excitement of Elvis’ greatest performances and also pays tribute to other legends including Buddy Holly, Tina Turner, Neil Diamond, The Beatles & more.

An Elvis award-winning performer, he previously wowed audiences in Memphis USA (home of the real Elvis) making Shaky Russell one of today’s supreme Elvis Presley Performers. Shaky is accompanied on stage by an amazing group of professionals including a live rocking band and cast.

So….…Put on your Blue Suede Shoes and get ready to Shake Rattle & Roll, because this show promises to rock both young and old in true Vegas spirit. Experience Sandton’s Premier Theatre, Live at the Balalaika at the Balalaika Hotel Sandton.

“Viva Las Vegas” opens on 6 March and runs on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 8pm and Saturday 30 March at 8pm and a matinee on 31 March at 3pm.

Tickets:
Tickets can be bought through Computicket (011) 4840204 or from the reception at the Balalaika Protea Hotel and at the door. Call The Balalaika Protea Hotel on (011) 322 5000. Tickets are priced at R195 for the month of March.

Parking:
There is safe underground parking at the MARC which is in Maude Street

About the Balalaika Hotel:

It is one of Johannesburg’s iconic hotels and a founding landmark of the Sandton precinct. The hotel brings a unique country-style atmosphere with beautiful gardens, a pool and birdlife which complements the Pop-Up Theatre.

The four-star Balalaika Protea Hotel has 330 rooms and 9 conference venues accommodating up to 300 delegates. Staff have been hand-picked to offer a unique people-centred hospitality throughout the hotel.

About Tim Plewman:

Tim has become one of the most sought after actors in South Africa, equally at home in drama or comedy. He is a dancer, humourist, director, writer and producer. From his first leading role in 1978 in the comedy, “Happy Birthday”, Tim has remained at the very top of the acting world for over 30 years with numerous awards and unique achievements that set him apart from the rest.

Plewman has an uncanny knack for capturing his audience, and whether you choose to take a partner, friend, family member or colleague along to see the show, you will not regret spending the evening with one of Msanzi’s most revered comedians.

As the country’s longest-running and most successful solo comedy, this tongue-and-cheek gem will offer a night out of deep belly laughs.

Tim has written such TV series as The Carruthers Brothers with Bill Flynn and Pure Plewman for MNET. He is a prolific voice-over artist and, together with his wife, Cathy, has a highly successful production company which has produced 18 theatre and over 160 corporate productions and videos.

About Shaky Russell:

Shaky’s love of Elvis started when he was 5 years old after seeing the Elvis film ‘Loving You’. He started imitating his every moves and sound to perfection, interpreting his attitude, expressions and body movements. Shaky lovingly and respectfully brings all his tributes to life, he specifically says he does not impersonate or imitate the King or any of the singers.

This spectacular artist has performed across South Africa and abroad, with the highlight being performing about 100 yards away from the shrine of the King himself, at the home of Elvis Presley (Graceland, Memphis Tennessee). He also had the opportunity to record at the legendary Sun Studio, which has been used by many stars including Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and of course Elvis himself. Shaky offers an entire package: the voice, the moves, the suave outfits, the charisma and most importantly a humble and down to earth approach to people. Taking the audience back to the innocent yet raw sound that was Rock ‘n Roll, Shaky impresses upon his audiences that he does not impersonate, nor does he imitate the King. Shaky says “he doesn’t talk to his audience as Elvis but about Elvis”.

The show captures the onstage excitement of Elvis’ greatest performances and also pays tribute to other legends including Buddy Holly, Tina Turner, Neil Diamond, The Beatles & more.

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Categorised as Theatre

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb