The Pavilion – It beckons with somewhat whimsical architecture to explore its vast, multi-level array of up market shops, restaurants, coffee bars and cinemas. This enormous and ambitious undertaking is perhaps worth a day trip in its own right!

Casinos - For those of you who fancy a bit of a flutter there are two Casinos to choose from. The Suncoast Casino & Entertainment Centre, which is situated on Durbans Golden Mile. Or try the Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom, which offers not only a state-of-the-art Casino, but many other entertainment venues, such as an open-sided theatre, dazzling live entertainment and The Boma.

In keeping with its image of a laid-back holiday city, Duban focuses on light entertainment. The Playhouse and Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre cater for more serious-minded theatre-goers, while experimental and indigenous performing arts can be found at the BAT Centre and the Kwasuka Theatre. Bookings can be made at the theatres or through Computicket.

The Playhouse

This complex is Durban's premier theatre venue, featuring award-winning dramas, ballet and opera, as well as a programme for emerging directors. Before the curtain rises, you can relax in the opera-bar lounge area or coffeeshop.

Website: www.playhousecompany.com
Address: 29 Acutt Street, corner of Smith Street
Tel: 031 369 9596

The Catalina Theatre

This is an elegant 160-seater, high-tech theatre featuring comedy, music, musicals and revues. It is named after the Catalina aircraft that were common in the area in the 1930s, and the nostalgic theme continues with stylish wooden decor with aircraft-like fittings. The theatre itself has floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the breathtaking harbour view and has a bar and a balcony to enjoy pre-and post-shows drinks against the backdrop of the yacht mole.

A key ingredient is its airy al-fresco area for relaxed and leisurely dining with an awesome view. Since its inception, the Catalina Theatre has hosted a mentorship programme geared to enable high school learners to develop skills in the performing arts. Each component has a theoretical and practical aspect to it ' the skills learned in the practical aspect of whatever the component (script-writing, impromptu, character-development, comedy etc) have resulted in mini-productions that have been staged at the theatre.

Address: Wilsons Wharf, Durban Harbour
Tel: 031 305 6889

Kwasuka Theatre

This quaint landmark theatre is situated in a 100-year-old (deconsecrated) Methodist church, with a courtyard for outside performances. It is under new management and aims to showcase new and innovative performing arts of all genres with a special focus on the creation of new South African works.

As a result, it is experimental in its programming. The theatre is extending its ambit to the development of theatre management and administration skills among new practitioners, as well as developing film, dance, audio-visual and music and dance mediums.

The theatre has kept the drama flag flying at a time when few other production companies and venues focus on 'straight' theatre. Theatre veteran Themi Venturas has picked up the lease and has great plans for the venue. The work at the Catalina Theatre dovetails with the work at the Kwasuka.

Address: 53 Stamford Hill Road, Greyville
Tel: 031 309 2236

iZulu Theatre

Seating 593, this venue tends to host comedy, musical theatre and large-scale productions.

Address: Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom, Umhlanga Rocks
Tel: 031 580 5555

Krakatoa Show Bar

This venue seats up to 400. Here you will find comedy, cabaret and club nights, as well as some international productions.

Address: Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom, Umhlanga Rocks
Tel: 031-580 5555

The BAT Centre

The centre was opened in 1995 and is administered by the Bartel Arts Trust, a charitable trust established by the late Hugo Bartel. It has several art studios, galleries, dance studios and retail shops and is worth a visit even if you do not intend to take in a show. Workshops and dance, art, music and writing classes are held on a regular basis and the venue features a lot of spoken-word and open-mic sessions.

On Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5.30pm to 7.30pm you can hear the Izimbongi Zesimanje (Nowadayz Poets) and the all-women Young Basadzi collective, respectively, present a world of rhythm and sound as these stand-up poets combine story-telling, rap, and a galaxy of words and philosophies.

Website: www.batcentre.co.za
Address: 45 Maritime Place, small-craft harbour, Esplanade
Tel: 031 332 0451

Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre

A high-brow theatre that stages professional productions, film festivals and an annual literary festival. The university also has two other venues, The Open Air Theatre and Square Space Theatre, where student productions are often hosted.

Website: www.sneddontheatre.co.za
Address: King George V Avenue, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Tel: 031 260 1111 or 031 260 2296

The Barnyard

This popular 470-seater venue is one of 12 Barnyards across the country. The chain was started by former TV actor and presenter Sybel Coetzee and her husband, Louis Möller, at their dairy farm in Plettenberg Bay.

Louis converted the barn into a light-entertainment theatre and the concept proved so popular that 11 others have opened. Durban's Barnyard has the usual countryside ambience, replete with rustic furniture and wood chips that belie the professional lighting and sound production. Take along your own picnic basket or buy a meal on the premises.

Website: www.barnyardtheatre.co.za
Address: Gateway Mall, Umhlanga
Tel: 031 566 3045

Rhumbelow Theatre

This is a quirky community theatre sustained by volunteer love and labour, and benefitting many charity organisations in the surrounds. It has a casual atmosphere " you can smell the braai (South African name for barbeque) outside " and the walls are adorned with wartime memorabilia as befits its location in the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (Moth) Hall. It is a popular venue for drag shows.

Website: www.rhumbelow.za.net
Address: Moth Hall, Cunningham Avenue, Umbilo
Tel: 031 205 7602 or 082 499 8636

Dockyard Supper Theatre

The name and maritime décor reflect the fact that this venue used to be housed near the docks. It moved three years ago due to the widening of the harbour mouth. There is a main stage as well as a smaller stage in the bar area known as 'Charlie's Corner', where late-night jam sessions take place. The theatre is a combination of restaurant and live music revue, with an à la carte restaurant trading in the day and on evenings when shows are not staged.

Address: Musgrave Centre, Musgrave Road
Tel: 031 201 9147

The Courtyard

Great venue staging student productions.

Address: Durban University of Technology, Mansfield Road, Berea
Tel: 031 308 5111