I still remember my very first kids theatre experience. I was four years old and will never forget the feeling of anticipation I felt sitting in a “proper grown-up” chair at the theatre, waiting for the curtains to open. I may not remember much about the actual show (it was Annie – The Musical), but I vividly recall the very first scene and being completely swept away by the characters.
My parents, despite never having much disposal income, always made sure that their three daughters went to the theatre as often as possible. We attended many ballet productions and quickly came to anticipate Janice Honeyman’s annual pantomime. It’s a tradition that we now continue with our own families, and we love experiencing theatre through the eyes of our children.
Here are the TOP SEVEN SHOWS we recommend in the next few months – and deeply suspect that parents will enjoy the shows just as much as their children!
Annie Jr.
Date: 04 June - 05 August 2018 Venue: People's Theatre, corner Loveday and Hoofd Streets, Joburg Theatre Complex, Braamfontein This one is a classic and a must-see for all ages! With all the songs you know and love, including “Tomorrow,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” and “Hard Knock Life”, Annie Jr. will be gracing the People's Theatre stage for the very first time. Join the plucky and positive Annie on a fun-filled adventure as she finds a new home with billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace and a sweet mutt named Sandy. Book now!
The Selfish Giant
Date: 24 - 26 August 2018 Venue: The Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein, Johannesburg Oscar Wilde’s charming morality tale of the Selfish Giant is brought to life by the young and talented dancers of the Johannesburg Youth Ballet. Consumed by selfishness, the Giant builds a wall around his beautiful garden to keep children out. Once the wall is up, it becomes wintry in his garden because no other season dares to enter a place where no children are allowed to play. But one morning, a very special child brings Spring back into the garden, as well as love into the Giant’s cold heart. This show is perfect for all ages. Book now!
Charlotte's Web
Date: 28 August - 07 October 2018 Venue: National Children's Theatre, 03 Junction Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg The heart-warming children's novel Charlotte's Web, by E. B. White, will be brought to life with a lovely musical at the National Children's Theatre from August to October 2018. The story is based on a piglet named Wilbur, who befriends a barn spider named Charlotte, who lives on a web overlooking Wilbur's enclosure. When Wilbur discovers his fate of being slaughtered, Charlotte promises to hatch a plan guaranteed to spare his life. This delightful production is a must for the whole family! Book now!
Peter and the Wolf
Date: 20 September - 21 October 2018 Venue: Studio Theatre, Pieter Toerien Theatre, Montecasino, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg. This whirlwind stage adaptation of the timeless tale is the perfect introduction for kids to the magical world of theatre. With a unique South African flair, this miniature masterpiece will include local sounds, puppetry and animation in its unique staging. While entertaining, the production also aims to educate children on recycling. Book now!
Matilda The Musical
Date: 17 October - 02 December 2018 Venue: The Teatro at Montecasino, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg. Who remembers the movie? We know we do! And now, the story of Matilda is coming to centre stage! Matilda The Musical is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book written by the incomparable Roald Dahl. It's the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to change her dark destiny. A winner of over 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical, Matilda The Musical is set to delight South African audiences of all ages this Spring. Get your tickets now!
The Little Prince
Date: 25 October - 25 November 2018 Venue: Studio Theatre, Pieter Toerien Theatre, Montecasino, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg. Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s beloved tale of a pilot and a young alien prince gets new life as it's retold on stage at the Pieter Toerien Theatre. This story has been delighting readers since it was first published in 1943 and has been translated into more than 250 languages. Follow the journey of The Little Prince, who leaves his tiny planet to travel the universe, learning the oddities of adult behaviour through a series of extraordinary encounters. Told with the help of shadow art and Japanese Bunraku puppetry, this production is not to be missed. Book now!
Janice Honeyman’s Snow White
Date: 03 November - 23 December 2018 Venue: The Nelson Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein, Johannesburg The ever-popular and hugely entertaining story of Snow White will be brought to life once again in an enchanting production complete with stunning sets, beautiful costumes, breathtaking special-effects and lots of comedy. Bigger and more spectacular than ever, this event will delight audiences both young and old with a never-before-seen-in-South-Africa 3D interactive journey into the forest. Join the Joburg Theatre for the most magical pantomime ever told. Book now!
