One of Cape Town’s festive season highlights this year is JOLTYD – Through the Ages of Music. The show runs at the Baxter Theatre until 3 January, 2025.
JOLTYD aims to capture the essence of the Mother City’s festive spirit with the electric rock ‘n’ roll of the ‘50s, smooth Motown grooves, plus local tunes by the likes of The Rockets and Mafikizolo.
JOLTYD cast
The production includes celebrated talents Jarrad Ricketts, Loukmaan Adams, Kashifa Blaauw, Xolisa Tom, and Mel Jones. Joining them is Tashreeq de Villiers, alongside a standout house band led by musical director Charlton Daniels.
Producer Loukmaan Adams shares what it means to create a show for this special time of year: “It’s a dream come true to be doing this at the Pam Golding Theatre during the festive season. It’s overwhelming, exciting, and such a massive opportunity to bring something this big to life.”
Travelling back in time
The show promises to take audiences on a journey through decades of musical history. Adams elaborates: “It’s not just about covers—it’s about moments. The song you heard when you were 14, the track that played when South Africa won the African Cup of Nations, or the tune that defined your New Year’s Eve.”
Co-director Basil Appollis shared his enthusiasm: “Cape Town becomes the festive hub at this time of year. There’s an energy—it’s almost like a drug. The entertainment has to be as exciting as what the beach and mountain offer, and with JOLTYD, we’ve created something that matches that magic.”
Appollis also highlights what makes his collaboration with Adams special: “Loukmaan is a creative powerhouse, able to step into any role the director asks of him. His creativity has no limits, and that’s what makes this production a must-see.”
Memory and connection
Musical director Charlton Daniels adds: “This show is about more than just music—it’s about emotion, memory, and connection. We’re taking people on a musical journey through time, bringing every era alive with sound, light, and performance.”
The production also features dynamic choreography from Grant van Ster, complemented by cutting-edge projection and 3D mapping to take the storytelling to the next level.
The producers say that JOLTYD Through the Ages of Music is a celebration of Cape Town’s festive culture. With its blend of nostalgia, laughter, and unforgettable tunes, audiences are promised a night they won’t forget. Whether you’re swaying to the sounds of Elvis Presley, soaking in the smooth melodies of Frank Sinatra, or grooving to Mafikizolo, you’ll leave the theatre with your heart full, and your spirits lifted.
Basil Appollis concludes: “This show is about creating memories that last forever. It’s a feel-good celebration of the music and moments that unite us all.”Book JOLTYD tickets here.
Bookings for JOLTYD can be done via Webtickets.co.za or at Pick n Pay stores. For discounted block bookings contact Carmen Kearns on email carmen.kearns@uct.ac.za or telephone 021 680 3993.
What: JOLTYD – Through the Ages of Music
Where: Pam Golding Theatre, Baxter, Cape Town
When: Until 3 January 2025, 8pm
Tickets: R180-R220
WS
