Janice Honeyman returns for pantomime season: don't miss 'Pinocchio' and other must-see Joburg shows

As everyone looks forward to some downtime as we near the year-end, there’s also something else that theatregoers look forward to: pantomime season. 

In Joburg, Janice Honeyman always delivers on this front. This year, “Pinocchio” is her spellbinding offering, making this her 38th pantomime offering to date.

As always, the colourful characters, music and interactive nature of the show put the audience in the best mood.  The beloved holiday production kicks off on October 31.

At the heart of the story is Pinocchio, a playful puppet yearning to become a real boy. Katlego Nche plays the lead role with Bongi Archi slipping into the skin of his doting toymaker father, Geppetto Spoletto.

Meanwhile, Gina Shmukler plays The Blue Fairy of Goodness Gracious while Sandi Dlangalala channels the kind-hearted Jiminy. 

Other notable characters include the over-the-top Italian mama, Dame Arletti Spaghetti (Tiaan Rautenbach), Mark Richardson as Strombolio, Luciano Zuppa as Masterigo and Fiddelomino, Brenda Radloff as Ill Fortunato Fox, Camilla Waldman as Pussy Galore and Lesedi Rich as Lampwick, to mention a few. 

Honeyman shared: “‘Pinocchio’ was the first live children’s play I saw - at the age of 6 - and it made a vivid impression on me!” 

“All these years later, I’m still digging and delving into this story, trying to conjure all its fun, humour, detail, atmosphere, and the host of rich lessons Carlo Collodi has to teach.”

She continued: “There’s music, dance, comedy, a puppet show, journeys into scary areas, and adventures into unknown zones. And everything Pinocchio experiences, you can take part in, too.

“Expect stunning sets, crazy-colourful Commedia costumes, toe-tapping tunes, a silly sing-along, and bursts of belly-laughs. It’s my fulsome, funny and heartfelt holiday gift to you all.”

Xoliswa Ngema, CEO of Joburg Theatre, added: “This year’s pantomime continues our legacy of joyful, world-class storytelling for the whole family. With Janice Honeyman at the helm, we know audiences are in for a visual feast, plenty of surprises, and a heartfelt message at the core.”

Where: Mandela Stage at Joburg Theatre.

When: October 31 to December 24, 7pm. Times vary on the weekend.

The Bollywood Express

This is a spectacular 10th anniversary showcase by Maza Academy of Dance and guest artists

The audience can expect to be swept away by the passion, talent and sheer artistry of the performers as they fully immerse themselves in the infectious energy and catchy Bollywood songs. 

Where: The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City. 

When: Saturday, November 1, at 6pm.

Musical Chairs

A dynamic and thought-provoking production. It seamlessly blends street dance styles such as amapiano, hip hop, house and campbellocking with classical music, physical theatre and social commentary.

Written and choreographed by Genesis Shirindza, the play boldly explores society's interaction with social media and its overwhelming power.

It reinterprets a familiar childhood game as a powerful testament to intimacy, understanding, and shared rhythm. The production masterfully blends family-friendly entertainment with thought-provoking themes. 

“We‘re bringing together two worlds that often feel separate - street dance and traditional theatre,” says Lyndon Peterson, reflecting on the production’s boundary-breaking nature.

“This collision of styles is stunning and introduces a new appreciation for both forms, especially for younger generations.”

Where: Theatre on the Square.

When: Runs until November 8.