OAK Youth Theatre’s spectacular production of “Hercules” is receiving widespread praise from audiences and members of South Africa’s performing arts community as it continues its season at the Fairtree Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria. The show is now on and will run until 19 July 2026.
Following more than a decade of developing young performers, OAK Youth Theatre continues its legacy with Hercules, a large-scale musical that combines powerful vocals, energetic choreography and impressive staging. Directed by OAK co-founder Cameron Botha, Hercules is led by a creative team of experienced theatre professionals dedicated to developing the next generation of performers.
Hercules follows the legendary hero’s journey of discovering his identity, purpose and true strength. Filled with memorable music, dynamic choreography, humour and heart, the production delivers an unforgettable theatre experience for audiences of all ages.
The Creative Team Behind Hercules
Co-founder Stephan van der Walt brings extensive professional musical theatre experience to the production. His credits include Jersey Boys, Chicago, We Will Rock You and, most recently, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, where he performed as Admetus/Macavity in the South African season and international tour presented by GWB Entertainment.
Musical director Jaco Smit, a producer, multi-instrumentalist and session musician, has led OAK Youth Theatre’s music department since 2017 and has worked with leading South African artists across the music industry. He is also a Naledi Theatre Award nominee for Musical Arrangements. Resident choreographer Tarryn Botha brings extensive musical theatre experience, with choreography credits including Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Shrek the Musical Jr., alongside professional performance credits in South Africa and abroad.
The principal cast of Hercules brings together some of South Africa’s most exciting young performers. Rossouw van Wyk leads the production as Hercules, alongside Nina Smit as Megara. Naledi Theatre Award nominee André Smit takes on the role of Hades following his acclaimed performance in The Little Mermaid. Arehone Masakona stars as Phil, while Jemma Gradwell portrays Hera. Gideon van Biljon appears as Young Hercules, bringing international experience after performing the role of Eric in the international tour of Matilda the Musical, produced in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company and GWB Entertainment. He has also been cast in the title role of Scenario Youth’s upcoming production of Peter Pan Jr.
For more than a decade, OAK Youth Theatre has helped launch the careers of young performers who have gone on to make their mark in South Africa’s entertainment industry. As the organisation enters its second decade, Hercules stands as a celebration of the young performers, creative artists and industry professionals who continue to shape the future of South African musical theatre.
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Tickets for Hercules are available at SeatMe.