The answer is Who Stole Christmas? Christmas in July?, the latest laugh-out-loud puppet production from Bizzy Hands Puppet Company, is coming to The Centurion Theatre on 27 June at 10:00 am.

Inspired by the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, this proudly South African puppet adventure promises festive fun with a local twist, featuring ten unforgettable puppet characters, hilarious parodies, catchy songs and plenty of South African humour that will have audiences of all ages laughing from start to finish.

Meet The Grouch, his loyal dog Stanley, and the colourful residents of Ama-Townsville — including Miemsie, Grandma Love, Denise, Trevor, Marietjie (who always seems to have the flu), Uncle Noors, Antie Floors, Ms Dominee and, of course, the larger-than-life mayor, Ronald Dump.

The people of Ama-Townsville adore Christmas, but last year’s celebrations ended in disaster. After a public spat between Mayor Dump and The Grouch, the furry troublemaker was banned from future festivities. Furious and determined to get even, the Grouch vowed to sabotage the next Christmas celebration.

In an effort to avoid the looming threat, the townsfolk decide to celebrate Christmas early — in July. But as tensions rise and plans begin to unravel, one courageous little girl helps the people of Ama-Townsville rediscover what Christmas is truly about.

“At its heart, Who Stole Christmas? Christmas in July? is about kindness, community and remembering what truly matters. We’ve taken a beloved story, given it a proudly South African flavour and created a production that will entertain children and adults alike. We can’t wait to share the laughter and magic with audiences this June,” says Michelle Botha, founder of Bizzy Hands Puppet Company.

Filled with laughter, heartwarming moments and a powerful message about kindness, forgiveness and community, Who Stole Christmas? Christmas in July? It is a festive family experience not to be missed.

Show Information

Who Stole Christmas? Christmas in July?

• Date: 27 June 2026
• Time: 10:00 am
• Venue: The Centurion Theatre
• Tickets: R150 per person
• Bookings: Through Quicket

Bring the whole family and discover the true meaning of Christmas with a uniquely South African twist, a cast of unforgettable puppet characters and enough festive cheer to last all year long.

Competition for Schools

The school that purchases the most tickets will win a free puppet show for their school. Book online through Quicket, enter your school’s name under your surname and stand a chance to win this exciting prize.

Please note: This production is performed in Afrikaans.

The post Who Stole Christmas? Christmas in July Comes to Centurion appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Dirk Badenhorst and the South African International Ballet Competition presents Christmas in July, a celebration of beautiful Christmas ballets and music. These world class performances will take place with Scenes from the Nutcracker – the snow scene – and other major ballets, celebrating Christmas will be staged with new choreographies and beautiful Christmas songs. Christmas in July is sure to be a delight to the whole family.

These performances will be the culmination of a two-week International Ballet Intensive designed to prepare young South African ballet dancers for both the international stage and ballet competitions such as the South African International Ballet Competition. We are starting to build Team Ballet SA!

Leading these wonderful shows will be two Global Ballet Stars Adiarys Almeida and her partner Taras Domitro.

The more than 100 South African dancers from cities such as Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Durban and Johannesburg, who are taking part in the International Ballet Intensive 23 June to 3 July, will be joined by dancers from Germany, China and USA.

They will all be taught by a stellar faculty of Ballet Teachers from around the world, Runqiao Du – China and USA, Christoph Boehm – Germany, Taras Domitro – Cuba and USA, Elza Leimane – Latvia, Adiarys Almeida – Cuba and USA and master teacher Magaly Suarez from Cuba and the USA. All these teachers have over the past number of years been training medallists at international ballet competitions around the world. In collaboration with this phenomenal panel South African teachers Vanessa Eborall, Natasha Ireland, Angela Maree Revie, Tanya Fourie and Jayd Swart will be staging the celebratory gala event.

The dancers will be joined on stage by soloists and a choir from Johannesburg which will create the most wonderful Christmas atmosphere for a world class Christmas in winter.

Bring the whole family out to see Christmas in July, come and support South African & International dancers and musicians in this magical meeting of minds.

Christmas in July

Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City

4 July at 20h00,

5 July at 15h00 and 20h00.

Tickets are from R150.00 to R290.00, Book Below:

Get your Tickets here:

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