Written and directed by another well-loved television star, Christo Davids, the funny two-hander, performed in Afrikaans and some English, has played to sold-out houses throughout the country. This collaboration brings together three local soapie stars who are set to entertain audiences - Davids is well-known for his role as Errol in 7nd Laan, Jantjies plays Xander in the same soapie and Paige is Calvin in Isidingo. The three actors grew up together in the same street in Heidelberg.

The story takes place on Cape Town station’s Platform 9. Two very good friends – Theo, a chef; and Mau, a budding hip-hop artist - are on their way to Johannesburg. Theo gets an opportunity to cook in Johannesburg at a celebrity’s wedding, and convinces Mau to pay for the trip with the promise that he may perform at the wedding. After a long, struggling journey to the station by taxi, they land up on Platform 6 instead of 9 and miss their train to Johannesburg. While stranded on Platform 9 awaiting their next train, they meet a couple of interesting characters, each with their own story. But is Theo really cooking at a celebrity’s wedding and why did he borrow the money from Mau?

“This is an authentic South African story with many recognisable characters. I know these characters, you find them everywhere,” explains Davids. “Through storytelling, music and dance, the show is highly entertaining and these two award-winning actors take the audience on a journey which they will not forget. Ultimately it is a story of friendship - the laughs, tears, disappointments, joys and how we can fix each other’s lives are quite simply all part of the ride.”

In recent years Davids has also affirmed himself as an accomplished writer and director. In 2011 his Bullets over Bishop Lavis, directed by Jody Abrahams, was staged at the Baxter. He last performed at the Baxter in Some Like it Vrot, and before that, My Name is Ellen Pakkies, Shirley, Goodness and Mercy and Athol Fugard’s Booitjie and the Oubaas.

Davids was recently nominated for a Best New SA Script Fiestas Award for his play, Bullets over Bishop Lavis. He won the You Spectacular Award for Best Actor for his role as Errol in i>7nd Laan as well as a Tempo Award for the same category and role. He also received a Klein Karoo National Arts Festival Best Actor Award for his portrayal of Abie Pakkies in My Name is Ellen Pakkies. His film credits Ernest in the Army, Shooting Bokkie, Forgiveness, Dollars and White Pipes and A Boy Called Twist.

Davids is the artistic director of Cape Heart Theatre Company and is one of the company directors of Jester Productions, along with Jody Abrahams and Diaan Lawrenson.

This will be the debut performance at the Baxter for the 30-year-old Jantjies and Paige, who both completed their Diplomas in Performing Arts at Tygerberg College, and both were listed in the Top 10 SA’s Sexiest Men competition. Jantjies received the Fiestas Best Supporting Actor Award for his performance in Vaselinetjie while Paige received the You Spectacular Best Newcomer Award for his role in Isidingo.

Platform 9 previews at the Baxter Golden Arrow Studio from Monday, 2 to Wednesday, 4 December; opens on Thursday, 5 December and runs until Saturday, 25 January 2014 at 20:15. Tickets prices are R100 and booking is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket.co.za or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet.

The Baxter’s New Year’s Eve party has become a popular option for theatre-lovers and revellers and 2013 will be no exception. Tickets for Platform 9 on the night cost R180 and this includes the show followed by a balloon drop and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or orange juice. The audiences from the various shows gather in the main foyer to cheer in the New Year with some of the stars and a live band that will keep the party going.

For discounted corporate or block bookings, fundraisers and charities, phone Sharon on 021 680 3962 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, phone Carmen on 021 680 3993 or email [email protected].