Popular Story Book Theatre back at People’s Theatre
By CityLife Arts Writer
The most beloved children’s theatre, Peoples Theatre, is to present another series of timeless tales in their popular Storybook Theatre, which includes The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Princess and the Pea and other fabulous fairyt ales .
In this year’s magical production of Story Book Theatre,running from Wednesday, 20 September to Sunday, 8 October, children of all ages will fall in love with their favourite bookshelf classics all over again when they experience the enchanted world of books come to life, which dynamic duo Jill Girard and Keith Smith will creatively bring to stage.
“Our aim has always been to share the wonder of books with children. To bring life back to all the most dearly loved stories and give children something memorable to carry with them after the curtain falls,” says Girard.
The Story Book Theatre series has always been extremely popular and in past years has seen sold out performances. In 2022 as the theatre was still recovering from the impact of COVID19, the theatre was unable to produce this feature of their usual calendar and are so excited to have it back and better than ever!
Taking centre stage and bringing these world classics to life will be their superbly talented cast– together with the entire audience who become an integral part of the interactive show.
The audience will experience a high-energy show lead by consummate professional actors like Luciano Zuppa, Nonhlanhla ‘Noni’ Mkhonto, Raymond Skinner and Sipho Hlongwane. All four performers are highly proficient in musical theatre and have appeared in many Peoples Theatre classics before.
The cast will bring this year’s Story Book Theatre stories alive through the use of engaging narration, music, movement, puppetry and, of course, exciting audience interaction.
“By involving the young audience we can trigger their imaginations and give back to them an unforgettable and magical theatre experience,” Smith says.
Story Book Theatre is one event Johannesburg’s youngsters should not be missing this spring!
Produced and Directed by Jill Girard and Keith Smith.
Set Design by Grant Knottenbelt.
Costumes by Luciano Zuppa.
Choreography by Sandy Dyer Richardson
Musical Direction by Coenraad Rall
The Cast
Luciano Zuppa
Nonhlanhla “Noni” Mkhonto
Raymond Skinner
Sipho Hlongwane
Show times for schools are Tuesday to Friday at 9am and 11am.
Show times for Public are 10h30 and 14h30 – Weekends and school holidays
Ticket Prices:
R165 per person for members of the public
R130 if you are a member of the Peoples Theatre Kids Club
R140 for public accompanying members
For School group rates, please contact the theatre directly