Kensington stars cast in Roald Dahl classic

Kayla Plint (11) and Taryn Bennett (39), both born and bred in Kensington, love being on stage and they describe it as a fulfilling journey.

Both are cast members of the popular Charlie and the Chocolate Factory staged at the National Children’s Theatre in Johannesburg.

Kayla said she fell in love with acting because her father often took her and her siblings to watch shows at the People’s Theatre.

“My siblings and I would enjoy watching theatre plays, and I believe that is where I got inspired. I feel in love with the craft and wanted to see myself on stage performing to the people,” said Kayla.

Kayla lives with both her parents and her other four siblings.

One of her siblings, Jessica, is also interested in becoming an actress.

She added that juggling school and being on stage can be tricky sometimes, but it is manageable.

“Charlize Theron inspires me. She is a hard worker and with her busy schedule, she makes it work. She is very dedicated.

“I have learned that anyone can do what they want to do, even if it is hectic. You can still make it work. I want to become an actress just like her one day.”

As this industry can be brutal and harsh sometimes, Kayla said her father approved her career path, but her mother was a bit worried.

“My mother was worried about the spotlight and how the attention could affect my school work. But she is slowly accepting my craft of choice because I will continue my studies in future to ensure I have something to fall back on if acting does not work out for me.”

Kayla said it has been a journey with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and she is enjoying every single moment of it.

Taryn said she grew up in a great home with her parents and her brother.

She studied drama at Rhodes University and it has been quite a wonderful experience for her.

“I enjoy it as I get to have fun while earning a living. Acting is essentially the skill of enjoying yourself. Getting to impersonate a character is what I love doing. I am still not sure if this is the journey I will follow for the rest of my life,” said Taryn.

Her parents allowed her to do what she loves doing and that is acting, despite the industry’s challenges.

“I am not interested in the celebrity culture. I don’t consider myself as a celebrity. I just like performing in front of people, and I am thankful for the role I have been given in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

“I like the character Veruca Salt I am playing. She is spoiled and has an element of cruelty. I enjoy playing mean characters. I feel like they are fun to watch,” said Taryn.

Besides being on stage, Taryn is a producer and a teacher.

She enjoys looking out for the up-and-coming artists.

“I admire theatre performers such as Sylvaine Strike, James Cuningham, Andrew Buckland and Jenny Resnick. They are the people who made me who I am today.”

The National Children’s Theatre will stage Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, based on the book by Roald Dahl and dramatised by Richard George, until December 22.