This year’s Christmas pantomime is a swashbuckling explosion of colour and comedy on the high seas, with KickstArt Theatre Company’s vibrant production of Sinbad the Sailor.

Last staged in Durban in 2017, this much-loved pantomime returns as a high-energy, slapstick comedy that promises to delight both children and adults.

While set in a fictional land, the script is alive with local wit, poking fun at everything from Transnet and municipal politics to US-South African relations. No one is safe from the satire, with familiar names like Justin Bieber, Chad le Clos and Helen Zille make appearances in the comedic mix.

Written and directed by Steven Stead and designed by Greg King, the production is a visual and theatrical treat. Evashnee Pillay’s spirited choreography brings energy to every scene, while the talented cast keeps the audience thoroughly engaged from start to finish.

The world-class set design and vibrant costumes elevate the show to another level, complete with a host of wonderfully weird beasts. One standout was the appearance of a colossal winged creature, which left the audience breathless. My only wish? That it had stayed on stage a little longer.

The cast excels at drawing children into the story, encouraging them to boo the villains and cheer on the timid heroes. The young audience was clearly enchanted, fully swept up in the action.
And of course, no pantomime would be complete without the traditional sing-along, a highlight that had the entire theatre smiling and clapping along.

Performances run until January 11 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Shows take place at 2.30pm from Tuesday to Sunday, with additional performances at 11am and 3.30pm on Saturdays.

No children under the age of three are permitted. Tickets are available through Webtickets.

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