Pat Pillai brings ‘My Cape Town’ to Durban

From 14 to 16 August 2026, Durban audiences can experience a mix of storytelling, music, humour and nostalgia as Pillai brings the people and memories of Cape Town’s Rylands and Athlone communities to life.

But this Durban season comes with an added purpose.

Pillai has called it his “Thank You Durban” run, paying tribute to the city where he studied, trained, apprenticed and began the journey that shaped his professional career.

As part of that thank you, proceeds from the Durban performances will be donated to selected charities and NGOs in the city.

Stories, music and characters from the Cape Flats

My Cape Town looks back at life in Rylands and Athlone during the 1970s, 80s and 90s through a collection of colourful characters and stories.

Pillai plays 16 different characters, including Auntie Khadijah, romantic mechanic Vikram Singh, boxer Yongama Bala, nervous MC Jimmy Jingles and news editor Donavan Selveraj.

The production blends comedy and drama with live music and explores family, community, identity and the ordinary people whose stories are not always told.

Pillai is joined by renowned pianist and musical director Melvin Peters, with the production featuring live piano, double bass and drums.

Pillai may also be familiar to South African audiences from his work with eTV News and eNews Channel, as well as his theatre career.

‘My Cape Town’ Durban show details

Where: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, UKZN Howard College Campus, Durban
When: 14–16 August 2026
Tickets: R268–R290
Bookings: Available through Webtickets

Current performances listed on Webtickets are:

• Friday, 14 August at 19:00
• Saturday, 15 August at 15:00
• Saturday, 15 August at 19:00
• Sunday, 16 August at 15:00

For Durban theatre lovers, it is a chance to enjoy a proudly South African story while supporting a homecoming season designed to give something back to the city.

Book tickets for My Cape Town by Pat Pillai through Webtickets.