Two performers with roots in Roodepoort are stepping into the leading roles of Princess Aurora and the Prince in Sleeping Beauty, The Musical, which opens on November 3 until December 24 at the Joburg Theatre.

Gabrielle De Gama, who lives in Weltevreden Park, plays Sleeping Beauty, while Little Falls resident Tumelo Mogashoa takes on the role of the Prince. For both performers, the production marks another step in their journeys in the performing arts, a passion that began when they were children.

Overcoming audition hurdles

For Gabrielle, that journey started at the age of 11 when she made her theatre debut in Annie Jr., produced by the People’s Theatre.

“That experience really opened the door for me and sparked a desire to explore the industry further,” she said.

She went on to receive vocal coaching and join an acting agency before securing roles in television and film. These included playing young Reyka in the Emmy-nominated series Reyka, as well as appearing in The Soccer Season. She also signed with Virgin Music under her artist name, Jaydn Elle, and gained experience in commercials and children’s theatre.

Her latest role presented an unexpected challenge during the audition process: she had laryngitis during her callback. “I genuinely thought there was no way I would land the role,” she said.

When she learnt she had been cast, she was overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude. The reality of playing the iconic character only fully sank in when she arrived for her first rehearsal.

A modern take on royalty Gabrielle has approached Princess Aurora as more than a princess waiting for a fairytale ending. She connects with the character’s desire for independence and her curiosity about the world. “I’ve tried to approach her as more than just a princess waiting for her fairytale to unfold,” she said. “To me, she’s a young woman who is curious about the world, eager to discover who she is and ready to experience life for herself.”

For Tumelo, the love of performing began much earlier, at around six years old. While living with his mother in Silver Spring, Maryland, in the US, he would put on little shows for her when she returned home.

His mother encouraged his interest by enrolling him in children’s theatre workshops and after-school drama clubs. However, watching a touring production of Mary Poppins The Musical, based on one of his favourite books and films, cemented his ambition.

“I remember telling my mum, ‘When I grow up, I want to do that and make everyone happy,’” he recalled. Tumelo found the opportunity to audition for the Prince while scrolling through Instagram. He had been auditioning for roles and had also been accepted into an international school overseas, which he plans to attend next year.

Being selected for the role was an unexpected opportunity that he accepted with pride and joy. He said the production’s director, Jill Girard, had helped the cast explore the classic fairytale through a contemporary lens, considering how its story could affect both children and adults. Playing the Prince has also pushed him beyond the character roles and classical parts he has performed previously.

On-stage chemistry and future plans

He drew inspiration from familiar screen princes, including Aladdin, Prince Eric and Flynn Rider, while developing his own interpretation of Prince Perrault.

Both performers say their working relationship has helped them develop their characters and their on-stage chemistry. Tumelo said their journey together began on audition day and that they had worked closely together since then.

He described Gabrielle as an inspiration, adding that their creative relationship was filled with banter and joy. Gabrielle, in turn, described working with Tumelo as a wonderful experience, saying they had learnt from and supported one another throughout the process.

The pair hope audiences will find adventure, romance, magic, comedy and music in the production. Gabrielle is particularly looking forward to seeing the children’s reactions and meeting some of them after performances during Kids Club.

Their connection to Roodepoort is also an important part of their stories. Gabrielle hopes her involvement will encourage young people in the area to take their talents seriously, while Tumelo believes theatre offers families in Little Falls an opportunity to spend time together.

Both performers have ambitions beyond the production. Gabrielle hopes to continue working in theatre, film, television and music, while Tumelo plans to pursue a master’s degree at Drama Studio London in 2027.

Their advice to aspiring performers is to keep working towards their goals, learn from each opportunity and remain committed even when the industry presents challenges. “If you want something to happen, you’ve got to make it happen,” Tumelo said.