Jimmy Nevis Brings His Music to the Stage with Roses & Thorns

Award-winning South African singer-songwriter Jimmy Nevis is stepping into a new chapter of his career with the launch of his first theatrical production, Roses & Thorns, opening at Cape Town’s Homecoming Centre on 30 July 2026.

Inbound SA Magazine recently caught up with Nevis at the District Six Homecoming Centre Theatre, where he shared his excitement about transforming his music into a live theatrical experience after 14 years in the music industry.

A new way to tell familiar stories

Part concert and part theatre, Roses & Thorns combines live music, dramatic storytelling and powerful performances to create an immersive production inspired by life in Cape Town.

The show features songs from throughout Nevis’ career, woven together with original stories exploring love, loss, resilience, community and hope.

“Over the years I’ve written songs about relationships, family, identity and community. Roses & Thorns is an opportunity to explore the stories behind those songs in a completely new way,” says Nevis.

Dean Smith brings the stories to life

Award-winning actor Dean Smith stars in the production, portraying four interconnected stories that give new meaning to Jimmy Nevis’ music.

Audiences can expect fresh interpretations of some of his best-known songs, including:

• Heartboxing
• Elephant Shoes
• In Love With You
• FBA
• 7764

For long-time fans, the production offers a new perspective on familiar music. For newcomers, it serves as an introduction to Nevis’ songwriting through theatre and storytelling.

A collaborative production

Roses & Thorns is produced by Jimmy Nevis and musical director Darren Petersen.

The creative team also includes:

• Kim Blanché Adonis as director and scriptwriter.
• Mpilo May Richards as associate producer and scriptwriter.

Together, the team has created a production that blends music and theatre while celebrating the people, places and stories that have inspired Nevis’ work.

Event details

Roses & Thorns

Date: 30 July 2026

Venue: Homecoming Centre, District Six, Cape Town

Tickets: Available via Quicket.

Creative team

• Jimmy Nevis – Creator and Producer
• Darren Petersen – Musical Director and Producer
• Dean Smith – Lead Actor
• Kim Blanché Adonis – Director and Scriptwriter
• Mpilo May Richards – Associate Producer and Scriptwriter

Read Inbound SA online