Written by Lewis Carroll in 1865, Alice in Wonderland has enchanted generations with its unforgettable characters and timeless themes of curiosity, courage, identity and self-discovery. This year’s dazzling pantomime promises all the larger-than-life spectacle, comedy, original music, colourful costumes and magical surprises that audiences have come to expect from South Africa’s “Queen of the Pantomime” Janice Honeyman.

This much-loved story follows the young Alice, a curious and imaginative girl who dreams of adventures beyond the ordinary. When she follows a very late White Rabbit down a mysterious rabbit hole, she finds herself in the extraordinary world of Wonderland – a place filled with talking animals, magical mushrooms, peculiar tea parties and unforgettable characters.

Along the way, Alice encounters the mischievous Cheshire Cat, the eccentric Mad Hatter, the wise Caterpillar, the delightfully chaotic Tweedles and the formidable Queen of Hearts. From a hilarious croquet match to the Queen’s outrageous tart bake-off and the mystery of the missing tarts, every scene promises laughter, music and larger-than-life entertainment.

At its heart, Alice in Wonderland is a story about growing up, finding your place in the world and discovering who you truly are. Through her extraordinary journey, Alice learns to navigate uncertainty, embrace change and trust her own instincts, proving that even the most bewildering adventures can lead to self-discovery, confidence and a deeper understanding of oneself… Through Alice’s remarkable journey, audiences are reminded to embrace their individuality, believe in themselves and never stop imagining.

Leading this year’s magical adventure is an outstanding South African cast.

Guiding us down the rabbit hole is Alice, played by the talented Ashley Scott, who started her professional career as Liesl Von Trapp in The Sound of Music in 2023, followed by the lead role of Mara in the International World Premiere of Disney’s The Magic Box in 2024 and then in 2025 as a Swing and Roxie Understudy in Chicago, before starring in the South African debut of Pretty Woman.

Marking his eighth Janice Honeyman Pantomime, Desmond Dube will be stepping into the role of Dame Nanny Fanny Floppalot. With an impressive career spanning TV, film and stage as well as receiving numerous local and international awards for his outstanding work as a performer, he is well known for his role in the TV programme Suburban Bliss and the series How to Ruin Christmas, as well as other memorable performances on stage and screen.

Russel Savadier plays the role of Narrator Lewis Carroll as he transports audiences through this magical tale. Working extensively as an actor in TV and film, his theatre accolades include Lanford Wilson’s Burn This, for which he received a Best Supporting Actor award, Another Country, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Comedy of Errors, Boys Next Door, Lisbon Traviata, Oleanna, Love! Valour! Compassion!, Popcorn, Waiting for Godot, Romance and as the rapidly unravelling Theatre Director in The Play that Goes Wrong and most recently in the Market Theatre’s production of The Good White.

The evil Queen of Hearts is played by Brendan Van Rhyn, who first starred in a Janice Honeyman Pantomime 25 years ago. Van Rhyn is best known for his alter ego, Cathy Specific, in shows like Mile High, The Triplets of Belville, Trolley Dollies, MC for Madame Zingara, as well as other theatrical productions. He also starred as Lurch in The Addams Family, Von Rothbart in Swan Lake, Frank n Furter in The Rocky Horror Show for several seasons, Trevor Grayden in Thoroughly Modern Millie and more.

Bongi Archi hops into his 11th pantomime as The White Rabbit. Bongi Archi is a dynamic and versatile entertainer, known for his work as a singer, actor, music director, voice-over artist, and TV personality. Rising to fame on Idols South Africa in 2010, he has since become a beloved figure in the country’s theatre and music scenes, starring in major pantomimes like Cinderella, Aladdin, Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast and last year’s Pinocchio. His talents have taken him from national festivals to international stages.

Charlie Bouguenon is our Mad Hatter. He has performed in South African classics such as Saturday Night at the Palace and the Afrikaans Mis by Reza de Wet, in South African protest theatre including Somewhere on the Border and Brutal Legacy, American plays such as A Raisin in the Sun and Passover, and British classics A Christmas Carol and My Fat Friend. He has also been a regular in musical theatre, including Dear Evan Hansen, The Rocky Horror Show, Jersey Boys, Sweeney Todd, Dancing the Death Drill, and many more. He was critically acclaimed in the one-man-show Hans Steek Die Rubicon Oor. Although he has ten Joburg Theatre productions under his belt, this is his first pantomime

Bringing the colourful inhabitants of Wonderland vividly to life are Siya Makakane as The Cheshire Cat, Lesedi Rich as the Caterpillar and Danny Meaker as Jack of Hearts.

The talented ensemble features (in alphabetical order):

Bo Molefe, Brett Kruger, Brian Ngobese, Bulelo Landman, Gareth Meijsen, Inge Lochner, Jessica Driver, Kiruna-Lind Devar, Lisa de Wet, Lwazi Pinyana, Matthew Potter, Noluthando Mathebula, Ntshikeng Matooane, Pule Buys, Raymond Skinner and Zimi Mphefu.

“This year’s pantomime celebrates the limitless power of imagination while reminding audiences that every person is wonderfully unique,” says Xoliswa Nduneni – Ngema, Chief Executive Officer of Joburg Theatre. “Janice Honeyman’s Pantomimes have become a treasured festive tradition for generations of South African families, and Alice in Wonderland promises to be another unforgettable theatrical experience filled with laughter, heart and spectacular entertainment.”

Director Janice Honeyman says audiences can expect one of her most imaginative productions yet.

“Lewis Carroll created a world where absolutely anything can happen and that’s exactly what makes Alice in Wonderland such a joy to bring to the stage. Beneath all the fun, humour and madness is a beautiful story about finding yourself and discovering that you don’t need to change to belong. We have put together an exceptional cast who will transport audiences into a Wonderland bursting with music, colour, comedy and theatrical magic. I can’t wait for families to share this adventure together.”

Renowned for creating some of South Africa’s most beloved festive productions, Janice Honeyman once again transforms the Joburg Theatre stage into an extraordinary world where audiences can escape reality and embrace the joy of live theatre. As the home of one of South Africa’s most beloved theatrical traditions, Joburg Theatre continues to champion the enduring appeal and cultural significance of the Janice Honeyman Pantomime, a highlight on the festive calendar for audiences of all ages.

Joining her on the creative team are Associate Director Tim Le Roux, Musical Director Dale Ray, Choreographer Khaya Ndlovu, Costume Designer Mariska Meyer, Production Designer Andrew Timm, Sound Designer Akhona Bozo and Lighting Designer Johan Ferreira.

Whether you’re meeting these iconic characters for the first time or rediscovering a childhood favourite, Alice in Wonderland promises a magical adventure packed with laughter, spectacular production numbers and heartwarming moments for the whole family.

Janice Honeyman’s Pantomime Alice in Wonderland runs from 28 October to 24 December 2026.

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Get 30% off tickets if you book by 31 August. Excluding school performances.

Tickets
Tickets are available from Joburg Theatre at joburgtheatre.com.

School Bookings
For school bookings, contact:

• Sizwe: thandisizwe@joburgtheatre.com | 011 877 6917
• Happiness: happiness@joburgtheatre.com | 011 877 6853

Parental Guidance
Parental guidance is advised, as the production contains mild adult humour.

Follow Joburg Theatre on its social media platforms for the latest news, updates and behind-the-scenes content.

The post Joburg Theatre Announces Cast for Alice in Wonderland 2026 appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Founded in 1989 and resident at Joburg Theatre since 2000, Peoples Theatre has staged over 200 productions and brought joy, magic and wonder into the lives of well over 1,2 million children since then….

And today’s special announcement is proof there’s no stopping them!

As it celebrates its 37th birthday, Peoples Theatre has unveiled an exciting milestone, securing the rights to stage the African premiere of Sleeping Beauty The Musical. The production will run from 3 November to 24 December 2026 as part of the theatre’s end-of-year season.

Get ready for a magical adventure with Sleeping Beauty The Musical

Sleeping Beauty The Musical brings a brand-new spin to the traditional fairy tale we all know and love.

With all original songs, Sleeping Beauty The Musical follows Princess Aurora on her journey of self-discovery. Cursed as a child, the princess is raised in hiding, then a chance meeting with Prince Perrault sets the wheels in motion for an exciting but dangerous adventure in this ultimate tale of good vs evil.

Hunted by the wicked Hellisent, Princess Aurora must find her own path and navigate the responsibilities of royal duty and the pursuit of her own dreams. Will Hellisent steal the throne from King Henry, or will Princess Aurora reclaim her rightful place in the Kingdom of Australis?

Step inside a world of magical fairies, raven spies and a whole host of wonderful characters.

Sleeping Beauty The Musical has been casting more than a ‘little bit of magic’ in theatres all over the world.

Now, this charming musical is bringing the magic to Africa for the very first time, transforming the stage into an enchanted kingdom, offering the perfect holiday treat for the young and the young at heart.

“The show has been staged in the UK and across America, but it has never been staged in Africa… until now.

I am very excited to announce that the African Premiere Production of Sleeping Beauty The Musical will be staged at Peoples Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa, through November and December of 2026.

Sleeping Beauty The Musical is based on the traditional fairy tale, but it has a very modern spin on the old tale.

It features all original songs and follows Princess Aurora on her journey of self-discovery. It is a heart-warming tale suitable for children from 3 to 103.

I hope you enjoy experiencing it for the first time as much as I enjoyed writing it and that the show brings a little bit of magic to you and your family.” – Ian Curran – Writer and Lyricist of Sleeping Beauty The Musical

The Disney version of Sleeping Beauty was staged at Peoples Theatre in the early 2000s, but the show has not been staged there since then, so it’s especially exhilarating for Peoples Theatre to be presenting this modern adaptation of the timeless classic, performing for a whole new generation.

“I’m absolutely excited to be directing and producing this thrilling new version of Sleeping Beauty The Musical in Johannesburg! This brand-new production is packed with laughter and magical moments, making it perfect for families and children of all ages. With plenty of audience participation, everyone can join in the fun, boys and girls alike!

Sleeping Beauty The Musical teaches us that good will always triumph over evil, and that true love, patience and resilience can overcome even the most wicked curse cast by the Evil Fairy. At its heart, the story reminds us that kindness and love will always prevail.

Interactive family fun, that’s what Peoples Theatre is all about, and we can’t wait to welcome audiences to share in the magic of this timeless fairy tale.” – Jill Girard – Producer/Director

Sleeping Beauty The Musical is produced by Peoples Productions in collaboration with Joburg Theatre and presented by arrangement with Curran Media Group Ltd.

Book and Lyrics by Ian Curran and Music by Simon Hanson & Peter Vint.

Whether you’re cheering on the prince or watching the colourful fairies weave their spells, this endearing adventure reminds us all that love and bravery can conquer any darkness.

SLEEPING BEAUTY THE MUSICAL

Performances are from Tuesday, 3 November – Thursday, 24 December 2026

Show times for schools are Tuesday to Friday at 09:00 am and 11:00 am.

Showtimes for the public are 10h30 and 14h30 — Saturdays & Sundays and during school holidays.

Ticket Prices:

R180 per person for members of the public

R145 if you are a member of the Peoples Theatre Kids Club

R155 for public accompanying members

School Bookings are now OPEN!
For school group rates, contact the theatre directly.

PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

Call 011 877 6841 or email info@peoplestheatre.co.za for bookings or enquiries.
You can also book online at joburgtheatre.com or via Webtickets

The post Sleeping Beauty The Musical heads to the People’s Theatre this November appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Following last year’s successful book drive to fill the CHOC libraries with storybooks, this year’s initiative invites audiences to help “Geppetto fill his toy shop” by donating pre-loved toys and stationery. These contributions will support Salvazione School and Joburg Child Welfare’s programmes, which nurture, educate, and empower vulnerable children, including those at Inner City Kids Play Project, and several care centres like Othandweni Family Care Centre, Princess Alice Care Centre, Aganang and Elton John Masibambisane Community Centre.

“The magic of Panto is all about storytelling, imagination and community,” says Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema, CEO of Joburg Theatre. “We are proud to join hands with Joburg Child Welfare and Salvazione School to ensure that children in Johannesburg not only share in the fun of Pinocchio but also have the tools they need to learn, play, and dream bigger.”

Joburg Child Welfare, founded in 1909, has been a beacon of hope for abused, abandoned, neglected, and vulnerable children for more than a century. Through its schools, care centres, and outreach projects, Joburg Child Welfare offers children safe spaces, education, and opportunities for growth.

“Partnerships like this help us continue our mission of protecting and empowering children,” says Jo-Anne Schermeier, the head of Fundraising and Marketing at JCW. “The toy and stationery drive will go a long way in giving our children not only joy but also the means to learn and thrive. We are grateful to Joburg Theatre, the cast of Pinocchio, and theatregoers for making a difference.”

Audiences attending Pinocchio are encouraged to bring along donations of toys and stationery, which will be collected in the theatre foyer. These gifts will be distributed to children in the Joburg Child Welfare programmes, spreading the spirit of giving beyond the stage and into the lives of those who need it most.

This year’s pantomime promises spectacular fun for the whole family, with dazzling sets, laughter, and unforgettable performances. By joining the festive celebration, audiences can also help create lasting memories for children across Johannesburg.

Janice Honeyman’s Panto Pinocchio at Joburg Theatre runs from 29 October to 24 December 2025.
Tickets are available at joburgtheatre.com

For school bookings: Please contact Sizwe on thandisizwe@joburgtheatre.com or 011 877 6917; or Happiness – 011 877 6853 or on happiness@joburgtheatre.com

• For more information, visit Joburg Child Welfare.
• For more information, visit the Salvazione School.

The post Pinocchio Partners with Joburg Child Welfare and Salvazione School appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Xoliswa Ngema, CEO of Joburg Theatre, says:

“This year’s pantomime continues our legacy of joyful, world-class storytelling for the whole family. With Janice Honeyman at the helm, we know audiences are in for a visual feast, plenty of surprises, and a heartfelt message at the core”.

Join us for a high-energy, heart-filled, and hilariously entertaining ride through the classic tale of the puppet who dreamed of becoming a real boy. Honeyman reimagines Carlo Collodi’s timeless story with her signature sparkle, big laughs, and just the right amount of mayhem.

“Pinocchio was the first live children’s play I saw—at the age of 6—and it made a vivid impression on me!” says director Janice Honeyman. “All these years later, I’m still digging and delving into this story, trying to conjure all its fun, humour, detail, atmosphere, and the host of rich lessons Collodi has to teach.”

This year’s Pinocchio explodes with music, dance, circus magic, puppet shows, techno-trains, pirate ships, and unforgettable characters—from the kindly Papa Geppetto to the mischievous Pussy Galore, and the ever-wise Jiminy Cricket.

“There’s music, dance, comedy, a puppet show, journeys into scary areas, and adventures into unknown zones! And everything Pinocchio experiences, you can take part in too!” Honeyman adds. “Expect stunning sets, crazy-colourful Commedia costumes, toe-tapping tunes, a silly sing-along, and bursts of belly laughs. It’s my fulsome, funny and heartfelt holiday gift to you all!”

Putting this all together, to create this magic behind the scenes is the dream team: Award-winning musical director Dale Ray, Naledi Theatre Award-winning costume designer Mariska Meyer, lighting designer Johan Ferreira, multi-Naledi Theatre Award-winning production designer Andrew Timm, Naledi Theatre Award-winning set designer Enos Ramoroko, sound designer Akhona Bozo and choreographer Khaya Ndlovu.

Audiences young and old will be swept up in Pinocchio’s wild and whimsical quest to become real—learning along with him about honesty, courage, kindness, and what it truly means to be human.

To add to this delightful panto, we have a world-class cast, who will be guiding us through the adventures of Pinocchio.

Our playful puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy, Pinocchio, will be played by the talented Katlego Nche. Bongi Archi will be playing his doting father and the toy maker Geppetto Spoletto.

The Blue Fairy of Goodness Gracious will be played by Gina Shmukler, and the ever-wise and kind-hearted Jiminy will be played by Sandi Dlangalala.

Dame Arletti Spaghetti is our over-the-top, Italian Mama and will be played by Tiaan Rautenbach.

Pinocchio is met by very naughty characters, who try to exploit and mislead him – they are the bad news spreaders, the mischievous makers and influence Pinocchio to be the naughtiest naughty of them all – let’s see if they succeed.

Our naughties are played by Mark Richardson as Strombolio, Luciano Zuppa as Masterigo and Fiddelomino, Brenda Radloff as Ill Fortunato Fox, Camilla Waldman as Pussy Galore, and Lesedi Rich as Lampwick.

The other talented cast members include (in alphabetical order): Bo Molefe, Brian Ngobese, Diego Hamity, Donovan Yaards, Inge Lochner, Jordan Rogers, Jordyn Schaefer, Lisa De Wet, Micah Stojakovic, Noluthando Mathebula, Nozi Phehane, Sax Ketshengane, Siya Makakane, Virtuous Kandemiri and Yahto Kraft.

Come see whether Pinocchio learns his lessons and becomes a real boy.

Let the Blue Fairy of Goodness Gracious guide your way—and don’t forget to bring your imagination and your inner child!

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Get 30% off tickets if you book by 31 August.

Tickets are available at http://www.joburgtheatre.com

For school bookings: Contact Sizwe on thandisizwe@joburgtheatre.com or 011 877 6917, or Happiness on 011 877 6853 or email happiness@joburgtheatre.com

Parental guidance is advised – some adult humour is included.

Don’t miss this glittering, giggling, gloriously magical, no strings attached panto adventure.

Follow Joburg Theatre on all social media platforms #PinocchioSA

The post Janice Honeyman Returns With Pinocchio Pantomime 2025 appeared first on Stage and Screen.

The jungle is soon going to be jumpin’ with a jazzy beat! Specially adapted from the classic Disney animated film, Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS features a host of colourful characters and your favourite songs from the movie.

Banished by the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan, a human boy named Mowgli and his panther friend, Bagheera, are on the run in the deepest parts of the jungle. On their journey, the two meet a sinister snake named Kaa, a herd of elephants and a giant bear named Baloo, who teaches them the swingin’ musical rhythms of the jungle.

After surviving a dangerous encounter with a band of monkeys led by King Louie, Mowgli and Bagheera are forced to run for their lives. When Shere Khan returns, our heroes rally together to defeat Shere Khan in battle and peace is restored throughout the jungle.

Disney The Jungle Book Kids is directed by Jill Girard and Keith Smith, with Musical Direction by Coenraad Rall, Musical Staging by Sandy (Dyer) Richardson, Set and Lighting Design by Grant Knottenbelt and costumes Linda Wilson

Baloo will be played by one of Peoples Theatres favourite performers, Luciano Zuppa, Baloo is an easygoing and fun-loving character who shirks at responsibility. He is a sleepy old bear who teaches Mowgli the law of the jungle and is well known for his song The Bare necessities during their adventure through the jungle Baloo eventually realises that the man village is the best place for Mowgli.

Bagheera is Mowgli’s mentors and protector, and is tasked with getting Mowgli to the man village but he is met with many obstacles along the way, Bagheera will be played by the wonderful Thokozani Jiyane who was last seen playing the role of Marty the zebra in Madagascar Jr.

Kaa will be played by Bethany-Joy Jiyane and this will be her first performance for the Peoples Theatre. Kaa is surprisingly one of Mowgli’s wise mentors and friend. who is also feared throughout the jungle for her mesmerizing “hunger dance”. She plays her part in getting Mowgli to safety.

Shere Khan, is a vicious man-eating Bengal Tiger who is the main villain and the archenemy of Mowgli and will be played by Clive Gilson. Peoples Theatre were very fortunate to work with Clive in Peter Pan in 2016 and are happy to have him back on their stage to bring alive the three characters he will be portraying (Shere Khan, Colonel Hathi and King Louie).

Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS opens at the Peoples Theatre at the Joburg Theatre Complex with preview performances from Monday, 2nd March. The official show opening is on Sunday, 8th March. The season runs until Sunday, 26th April.

Performance times are Mondays to Friday at 9am and 11am, Saturdays at 10:30am and 2.30pm as well as all Sundays and Public Holidays.

Ticket prices are R145 for general public or R100 for members of the Peoples Theatre kids Club (You can become a member for R120 membership fee – contact Peoples Theatre on 011 403 1563/ 2340 for more information).

To book tickets call Sean on 011 403 1563 / 2340 or email the theatre at info@peoplestheatre.co.za.

For more information visit www.peoplestheatre.co.za

The post Disney’s Jungle Book Kids at The Peoples Theatre appeared first on Stage and Screen.

The character of Nettie is the sister of the story’s protagonist, Celie, and shows her sister unconditional love and support. Although Nettie doesn’t bare her own children in the story, she is noted as acting as Celie’s protector and cares for Celie’s children. This caring, maternal nature is true of Sebe Leotlela herself, who recently gave birth to a little girl.

The role of Nettie is a significant one for Leotlela and she was acknowledged for her powerful performance by being nominated for a 2019 Naledi Theatre Award as best supporting actor in a musical.

Leotlela is excited to be returning to her role in the April 2020 season of The Color Purple. Since becoming a mother, she is set to instill many of the lessons from the novel and musical in her daughter.

The musical’s director in South Africa, Janice Honeyman, is also excited to know that Leotlela will be reprising her role as Nettie.

Sebe also played the role of the Disco Diva Candy in Bernard Jay’s production of Saturday Night Fever at The South African State Theatre. She has performed in two of Janice Honeyman’s pantomimes, Pinocchio and Snow White. She is currently serving as assistant choreographer in this year’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Joining Sebe Leotlela on stage in The Color Purple next year are acclaimed South African actors Didintle Khunou as Celie, Lelo Ramasimong as Shug Avery, Neo Motaung as Sofia, Thokozani Nzima as Mister and Yamikani Mahaka-Phiri as Harpo.

The Color Purple

Joburg Theatre

2 April to 12 April 2020

Tickets are available at www.joburgtheatre.com

Theatre patrons can also book online and pay at selected Pick N Pay stores.

The post The Color Purple appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Last seen on the Johannesburg stage five years ago, Don Quixote is set in the bustling Spanish seaport of Barcelona and tells the story of beautiful, audacious Kitri and her love for the dashing but poor barber, Basilio.

Her father, however, has more ambitious plans for his headstrong daughter, hoping to marry her off to a wealthy but foppish suitor. But in the end love conquers all in a cascade of classical ballet featuring celebrated showpieces, including the famous Don Quixote Pas de Deux. The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra will be in the orchestra pit to bring to life one of the most sparkling music scores ever created for ballet.

For two of the performances during the 10-performance season in March, Joburg Ballet will host major international ballet stars Marianela Nuñez and Vadim Muntagirov of The Royal Ballet in the leading roles. Nuñez and Muntagirov will dance on Friday 20 March at 19:30 and Sunday 22 March at 15:00.

The other eight performances during the 10-performance season, which runs from 13 to 22 March, will feature three couples drawn from Joburg Ballet’s own leading dancers. Announced so far are the company’s two principal dancers, Shannon Glover and Claudia Monja who will be partnered by Ruan Galdino and Gabriel Fernandes respectively. The names of the third Joburg Ballet cast are still to be announced as are the specific dates for the Joburg Ballet-led performances.

Joburg Ballet offers affordable ticket options for Don Quixote, including 50%-off on Opening Night, a 30% Early Bird discount on selected performances, two budget-priced Morning Matinees with all seats just R110, and discounts for pensioners and groups.

Don Quixote

Joburg Theatre

Friday 13 March at 19:30– Half Price: R110, R152, R207, R226, R262
Saturdays 14 and 21 March at 19:30 and 15:00 and Sunday 15 March at 15:00  –

Early Bird Prices until Sunday 26 January: R154, R212, R289, R316, R366;

Standard Prices from Mon 27 Jan: R220, R303, R413, R451, R523

Tuesday 17 March & Wednesday 18 March at 11:00 – All tickets R110

Friday 20 March at 19:30 and Sunday 22 March at 15:00 –  R220, R303, R413, R451, R523
Tickets available at Joburg Theatre, or Webtickets

The post Joburg Ballet's Don Quixote appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Last seen on the Johannesburg stage five years ago, Don Quixote is set in the bustling Spanish seaport of Barcelona and tells the story of beautiful, audacious Kitri and her love for the dashing but poor barber, Basilio.

Her father, however, has more ambitious plans for his headstrong daughter, hoping to marry her off to a wealthy but foppish suitor. But in the end love conquers all in a cascade of classical ballet featuring celebrated showpieces, including the famous Don Quixote Pas de Deux. The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra will be in the orchestra pit to bring to life one of the most sparkling music scores ever created for ballet.

For two of the performances during the 10-performance season in March, Joburg Ballet will host major international ballet stars Marianela Nuñez and Vadim Muntagirov of The Royal Ballet in the leading roles. Nuñez and Muntagirov will dance on Friday 20 March at 19:30 and Sunday 22 March at 15:00.

The other eight performances during the 10-performance season, which runs from 13 to 22 March, will feature three couples drawn from Joburg Ballet’s own leading dancers. Announced so far are the company’s two principal dancers, Shannon Glover and Claudia Monja who will be partnered by Ruan Galdino and Gabriel Fernandes respectively. The names of the third Joburg Ballet cast are still to be announced as are the specific dates for the Joburg Ballet-led performances.

Joburg Ballet offers affordable ticket options for Don Quixote, including 50%-off on Opening Night, a 30% Early Bird discount on selected performances, two budget-priced Morning Matinees with all seats just R110, and discounts for pensioners and groups.

Don Quixote

Joburg Theatre

Friday 13 March at 19:30– Half Price: R110, R152, R207, R226, R262
Saturdays 14 and 21 March at 19:30 and 15:00 and Sunday 15 March at 15:00  –

Early Bird Prices until Sunday 26 January: R154, R212, R289, R316, R366;

Standard Prices from Mon 27 Jan: R220, R303, R413, R451, R523

Tuesday 17 March & Wednesday 18 March at 11:00 – All tickets R110

Friday 20 March at 19:30 and Sunday 22 March at 15:00 –  R220, R303, R413, R451, R523
Tickets available at Joburg Theatre, or Webtickets

The post Joburg Ballet’s Don Quixote appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Journey Beyond is an extraordinary artistic collaboration between Zip Zap Circus and the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra.  After 2 immensely successful runs in Cape Town in 2017 and 2018, Journey Beyond will be performed for the first time ever at the Joburg Theatre in September, as part of Heritage month.  Journey Beyond artfully blends mesmerising choreographed circus acts with orchestral masterpieces, amplified by soloist Zolani Mahola from Freshlyground.  This Symphonic Circus will captivate, thrill and transcend audiences beyond their imaginations.

Zip Zap Circus School began their journey in 1992 from humble beginnings and inspired by a daring dream.  To use circus performing art as a powerful tool for social transformation, youth empowerment and community upliftment.  Today, they perform 65 shows nationally every year, have undertaken 30 world tours, gained local and global recognition and impact 2000 youth each year through their free social programmes.  Many of their students have joined the world stage as professional performers.

The Johannesburg Youth Orchestra is a full symphonic orchestra comprising of entirely children playing stringed, wind and percussion instruments. Established in 1976, they are acclaimed throughout the city and further afield, providing training and performance opportunities for over 600 young people.  Several young musicians who graduated from this project now work with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

Both non-profit organisations, this is a pioneering collaboration that merges world-class circus acts with classical orchestral renditions on one stage to create magic.

These are ordinary children who through sheer determination and hours of hard work have augmented enormous talent.  This showcase is an exploration of talent that is set to break all boundaries, free the imagination and instil belief that those who dare to dream can transcend their social circumstances.  This show is a celebration of the heritage of all South Africans.

What makes this partnership even more remarkable is that the different elements of the production will rehearse independently at their home bases. The directors then have just two days in Johannesburg to bring the unique elements of the show together and create a spectacular event.

Audiences can expect to be taken on a mesmerising musical and visual journey that pushes boundaries and reaches a crescendo of classical entertainment.   A talented group of circus dare devils will jump, fly and soar effortlessly through the air in gravity-defying aerials and extraordinary acrobatics. The captivating beauty of these daring acts will be performed in concert with stirring symphonic performances and the hypnotic voices of Zolani Mahola and soprano, Zita Pretorius. This is what one can expect at Journey Beyond.

Journey Beyond – Symphonic Circus will be performing at the Johannesburg Theatre on Friday 20, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September.

Visit Joburg Theatre’s website for more info.

The post Journey Beyond appeared first on Stage and Screen.

After an absence of three and a half years, Giselle, the most sublime of all romantic ballets, returns to the stage of Joburg Theatre when Joburg Ballet presents a season of ten performances of the beloved classic from Friday 4 to Sunday 13 October in association with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

A heartrending story of love so powerful it reaches from beyond the grave, the ballet’s exquisite dancing lays bare a tale of passion, betrayal and forgiveness with one of the greatest of all ballerina roles at its centre.

Joburg Ballet dancers sharing the title role during the season of Giselle are Shannon Glover, Claudia Monja and Monike Cristina who will be joined by French guest artist Anaïs Chalendard who made an acclaimed SA debut earlier this year in Joburg Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty.

In the leading role of Albrecht, audiences will see Revil Yon (with Glover), Leusson Muniz (with both Monja and Chalendard) and Ruan Galdino (with Cristina).

In addition to the two leading roles of Giselle and Albrecht, the ballet also provides a showcase for dancers in other roles including a massed corps de ballet which appears in the ghostly second act to chilling effect.

Giselle will be staged by Joburg Ballet’s artistic director Iain MacDonald and ballet mistress Lauren Slade while Australian-based SA ballet luminary, former prima ballerina and artistic director Dawn Weller will rehearse and coach the dancers in the leading roles.

Giselle opens at Joburg Theatre on Friday 4 October for ten performances, ending on Sunday 13 October. The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra will play for all performances except Wednesday 9 October at 11:00, which will be to a recorded score to facilitate filming of Giselle for release on DVD.

Joburg Ballet offers its usual range of affordable ticket options for Giselle, including a 30%-off Early Bird Special (valid until 4 August), 50%-off on Opening Night, two budget-priced Morning Matinees with all seats just R110, and discounts for pensioners and groups.

Joburg Ballet’s Giselle

Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein

Friday 4 Oct at 19:30 – Half Price: R110, R152, R207, R226, R262

Saturday 5 October, Friday 11 October, Saturday 12 October at 19:30;

Saturday 5 October, Sunday 6 October, Saturday 12 October, Sunday 13 October at 15:00

Standard Prices: R220, R303, R413, R451, R523

Tuesday 8 October & Wednesday 9 October at 11:00

All tickets R110 (Wed 9 Oct at 11:00 to recorded music)

Tickets At Joburg Theatre Box Office; or tel. 0861 670 670.

The post Joburg Ballet's Giselle appeared first on Stage and Screen.