Die Pienk Kerk’s Autumn Line-Up Brings More Big Talent to Joburg’s Newest Intimate Stage
Melville’s beloved Die Pienk Kerk is proving that the smallest stages can hold the biggest moments and since opening its doors in late 2025, the venue has received rave reviews and sold out shows. Housed in the city’s iconic pink church at 24 Chatou Road, Die Pienk Kerk has quickly established itself as one of Johannesburg’s most distinctive cultural spaces: part restaurant, part coffee shop, part art space, and increasingly, one of the warmest and most talked-about live performance destinations in town.
The building, originally constructed in 1903, has been lovingly reimagined by owner Yanni Briel into a whimsical, welcoming gathering place where food, music, theatre and community meet. Now, after a run of sold-out and near-capacity performances, Die Pienk Kerk is heading into April and May with a line-up that is rich in personality, polish and variety – from comedy cabaret and musical storytelling to chanson and drag brilliance.
What’s coming up at Die Pienk Kerk:
17 & 18 April – Growing Old Disgracefully with Tonya Koenderman
9 & 10 May – The Incredible Journey of Tinkerbell van Tonder with Amanda Strydom and Coenraad Rall
16 May – Bonjour Monsieur Brel with Jannie du Toit
29 & 30 May – Cathy Specific with Brendan van Rhyn
Kicking off the line-up on 17 and 18 April is Growing Old Disgracefully, in which international cabaret artist Tonya Koenderman brings her signature wit to a hilarious, frank and light-hearted look at the funny side of ageing. The show starts at 17:30, with tickets at R400 per person, including either a Pienk Kerk Burger or Yanni’s Famous Artisan Pasta. Guests may bring their own wine, with no corkage fee.
Over Mother’s Day weekend (9 & 10 May), Amanda Strydom, accompanied by Coenraad Rall, brings The Incredible Journey of Tinkerbell van Tonder, a richly layered musical story of hope, identity and homecoming.
Told through the voice of Nella Petersen, the story follows Isabella Dolorosa van Tonder (nicknamed Tinkerbell ) on a journey shaped by adversity, resilience and self-discovery. Performed in Afrikaans, English, Khoi, French and Dutch, the production weaves narrative and music with Strydom’s signature depth and emotional clarity, supported by Rall’s nuanced arrangements at the piano.
The production has received major critical recognition, winning the Woordtrofee for Best Musical Play at the 2024 Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees and the Best Musical Play award at the 2025 Momentum Aardklop Festival.
Tickets are R400 per person, including either a Pienk Kerk Burger or Yanni’s Famous Artisan Pasta, with guests welcome to bring their own wine (no corkage). No under 16s are permitted.
Then, on 16 May, acclaimed singer and storyteller Jannie du Toit presents Bonjour Monsieur Brel, a journey through the work of the great Jacques Brel. In this richly layered production, Brel’s vivid texts are sung in French, Afrikaans, English and Dutch, accompanied by a refined ensemble of piano, cello and guitar. The production features Susan Mouton on cello and piano, Chanie Jonker on piano and accordion, Jannie du Toit on vocals and guitar, with direction by Juanita Swanepoel. The show has been praised for its musical excellence and emotional depth, with reviewers describing it as one of South Africa’s brightest Brel offerings.
Closing out the run on 29 and 30 May is the return of a firm audience favourite: Cathy Specific, performed by the award-winning Brendan van Rhyn. After two sold-out shows at Die Pienk Kerk earlier this year, two more performances have now been added by public demand. Tickets are R400 per person and include either a Pienk Kerk Burger or Yanni’s Famous Artisan Pasta. The show starts at 17:00 and is rated PG 16. Guests are welcome to bring their own wine, again with no corkage fee.
Cathy Specific remains one of Brendan van Rhyn’s most adored creations: a sparkling alter ego with nearly two decades of history, glamour and bite behind her. Born out of Brendan’s six years as a flight attendant for South African Airways, Cathy has become a beloved character on South African stages: part chanteuse, part socialite, part comic force of nature. Audiences can expect 75 minutes of laughter, honesty, warmth, sequins and song delivered live, up close, and without a trace of mimicry or lip-syncing.
An experience worth coming back for more
The autumn programme naturally fits the spirit of Die Pienk Kerk itself, where audiences can settle in, enjoy a meal, bring a bottle of wine, and experience artists at close range in a setting that is cosy, quirky and full of life. “Die Pienk Kerk was always meant to be more than a restaurant. It is a place where people can gather, eat, listen, laugh, feel something and share an experience together. This line-up brings together exceptional artists in a setting that allows audiences to connect with them in a very real and memorable way,” says Yanni Briel, founder of Die Pienk Kerk.
With a line-up that moves from sharp comedy to musical storytelling and full-bodied cabaret, Die Pienk Kerk offers every reason for audiences to return in April and May and for new audiences to step inside Melville’s newest gem where great performances, good food and real connection come together.
Book your tickets at Quicket before they sell out!
