Pinocchio panto brings holiday magic to stage
Join Joburg Theatre for a festive feast of song, dance, and storytelling as Pinocchio learns lessons in a glittering new stage spectacular.
SA’s favourite holiday theatre tradition returns when Janice Honeyman presents her 38th annual pantomime, a new, magical production of Pinocchio.
The show runs until December 24 at the Joburg Theatre, whose CEO, Xoliswa Ngema, said, “This year’s pantomime continues our legacy of joyful, world-class storytelling for the whole family. With Janice Honeyman at the helm, audiences are in for a visual feast, surprises and a heartfelt message at the core.”
Honeyman reimagines Carlo Collodi’s classic tale of the puppet who dreamt of becoming a boy with her trademark sparkle, humour, and heart.
“Pinocchio was the first live play I saw as a child, and it made a lasting impression,” Honeyman said.
“All these years later, I’m still exploring its fun, humour and timeless lessons.”
This production is full of music, dance, circus magic, puppet shows, pirate ships and colourful characters, from Papa Geppetto to Pussy Galore and Jiminy Cricket. Honeyman promises “stunning sets, crazy costumes, toe-tapping tunes and bursts of belly laughs”.
The creative team includes musical director Dale Ray, costume designer Mariska Meyer, lighting designer Johan Ferreira, production designer Andrew Timm, set designer Enos Ramoroko, sound designer Akhona Bozo and choreographer Khaya Ndlovu.
The cast features Katlego Nche as Pinocchio, Bongi Archi as Geppetto, Gina Shmukler as the Blue Fairy, Sandi Dlangalala as Jiminy Cricket and Tiaan Rautenbach as Dame Arletti Spaghetti.
The “naughty” characters are played by Mark Richardson, Luciano Zuppa, Brenda Radloff, Camilla Waldman and Lesedi Rich, with a large supporting cast.
Audiences will join Pinocchio on his wild, funny, and touching journey to learn about honesty, courage, and kindness, and discover what it means to be human.
Book tickets on www.joburgtheatre.com
For school bookings, email Sizwe on [email protected] or call 011 877 6917, or Happiness on [email protected] or 011 877 6853.
There is some adult humour, so parental guidance is advised.
Don’t miss this glittering, giggling and gloriously magical “no strings attached” pantomime adventure.
For more information, contact Bronwen on 082 704 8843 or [email protected]
