There are some bands whose music never really leaves the room. Queen is one of them. Whether it is blasting from car radios, echoing through stadiums, or sneaking into wedding playlists, those songs have a way of sticking around. In February 2026, Johannesburg gets a full reminder of why when Queen, it’s a kinda magic, storms back onto the local stage.
Fresh off sold-out runs across the globe, the Australian-born tribute show returns to South Africa with a promise it has built its reputation on. Loud guitars, towering visuals, theatrical costumes, and wall-to-wall anthems that feel as big as the memories attached to them.
This is not a sit back and politely clap kind of evening. The production leans hard into the scale Queen was known for. Big screens, dramatic lighting, and costume changes drive the sense that you are watching a rock show, not a nostalgia act.
The setlist reads as a greatest hits album brought to life. Expect Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions, Radio GaGa, I Want to Break Free, Somebody to Love, Don’t Stop Me Now, and Another One Bites the Dust, with plenty more packed in between.
At the centre of it all is Warren Vernon Driscoll, stepping back into the role of Freddie Mercury. Vocals, piano, and guitar are all performed live, in the original keys, alongside an international band that keeps the sound punchy and faithful without feeling stiff.
Johannesburg has always had a soft spot for big live shows. From classic rock revivals to modern pop spectacles, local crowds are known for leaning in fully. That energy feeds directly into productions like this one.
Previous international reviews have leaned into how close the experience feels to a real Queen concert, with audiences often commenting online about how quickly they forget they are watching a tribute. Social media reactions from past South African runs echo the same thing. People talk about goosebumps, sing-along moments, and that shared thrill when the opening notes of a familiar anthem hit.
Queen, it’s a kinda magic takes over the Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre across one packed weekend.
Friday 06 February 2026 at 19:30
Saturday 07 February 2026 at 14:00
Sunday 08 February 2026 at 14:00
Tickets range from R180 to R390, making it one of the more accessible large-scale music shows on the calendar. There are also group booking discounts, with 10 percent off for groups of 10 or more and 20 percent off for groups of 20 or more. It is a solid option for birthdays, office outings, or anyone keen to turn a regular weekend into something louder.
What gives this show its staying power is not just the technical polish. It is the way Queen’s music cuts across generations. Parents bring their teenagers. Friends who grew up with vinyl bring friends who discovered the songs on streaming playlists.
By the final chorus, the theatre usually feels less like a seated venue and more like a crowd singing in unison. That is the real magic. Not imitation, but connection.
If you are ready for a night of unapologetic rock theatre, this is one to book early.
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