PETER PAN

Forget Santa, let’s go to Neverland!

Between 3 November and 24 December 2023, we’re thinking happy thoughts all the way as Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, the Darling children and many other exciting characters grace the stage at Joburg Theatre.

There’s nothing like a bit of fairy dust that could make this year end on a high note – especially if it’s with a view of Neverland. Based on the classic tale by J.M. Barrie, the pantomime, Peter Pan will be presented for the third time this year, with the first time being in 2007 and the second time in 2014. This year, there will be some additional magic, though with the traditional pantomime props being elevated with modern LED screens.

Director (and South Africa’s Queen of Pantomime), Janice Honeyman says: “I absolutely love the story of Peter Pan, because it has so many elements to it; firstly the magic of the flying is my favourite part of the show – most children and adults dream of flying. Then there is the magic of the story. What I’m trying to do this year, to differentiate from the last two Peter Pan productions, is to highlight more issues that children, teenagers and young adults deal with, like bullying, being left out, feelings of rejection… This story lends itself to addressing these topics in a very subtle way. It will be a reworked script with the same favourite characters, and I am so excited to share this with everyone.”

#HelloLifestyle by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Supplied

With rehearsals kicking off early in October, we just had to know what the cast thinks about the Peter Pan pantomime…

Peter Pan

Sandi Dlangalala says he is beyond excited to be in the Panto this year. It’s very exciting and “such a huge honour” to have been given the lead role.

Captain Hook

Actor, Ben Voss says it’s his forth year dishing out mayhem, malice and mischief in a Janice Honeyman spectacular. “I am more excited than Smee at an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet! It’s the silliness, the scale and the slickness that I love so much.” He was already making progress with his moustache early in October.

Wendy

Kiruna Lind-Devar says: “Some of the most precious friends and memories come from Panto land, so I cannot wait to step back into that space and dance, sing and fly. All with a little faith, trust and pixie dust!”

Tinkerbell

Virtuous Kandemiri is beyond excited. “I’m so excited, I am soaked in fairy dust,” she says. “I can’t wait to play Tinkerbell, a character that I’ve always loved as a child, and one that I know many people love equally, if not more.”

There is no doubt that a wonderworld awaits with this Pantomime. Tickets are on sale through www.joburgtheatre.com or by phoning 0861 670 670. H