An exciting theatre guide for kids this festive season

The cast of “Cinderella” prepares to give stellar performances for children and the whole family at the Baxter Theatre this December. Picture: Supplied

The cast of “Cinderella” prepares to give stellar performances for children and the whole family at the Baxter Theatre this December. Picture: Supplied

Published Dec 3, 2022

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Moms and dads, there are fun and exciting theatre productions on display in Cape Town this festive season. Artscape and Baxter theatres have you covered in taking your little one’s imagination and world of fantasy and exploration to another level.

Cape Town City Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” runs at the Artscape from 7 until 23 December. The production is suitable for 4 years and over and is fun for all the family. Debbie Turner, the CEO of Cape Town City Ballet, said there were more than 300 children who attended auditions nationwide, with only 120 getting an opportunity to perform on the Artscape stage.

Some of the cast members of the timeless “Nutcracker” at the Artscape this December. Picture: Supplied

“We were inspired by the level of talent and infectious enthusiasm of the children that auditioned.

“It was wonderful to take the search nationwide and provide the opportunity for young dancers from across the country to perform on the Artscape stage. The professionalism and commitment of these rising artists has also been impressive. It is a pleasure to work with them.”

The exciting, colourful and lively “Nutcracker” promises to be a delight for children as it celebrates 130 years of sheer excellence.

Tickets cost from R200 to R495 for performances accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

Bookings can be made at Artscape Dial-A-Seat at 021 421 7695 or through Computicket.

Another exciting production is “Bubbles”, which forms part of Cape Town Opera’s successful Opera Blocks series. The 40-minute performance is aimed at babies and small children from birth to 4 years of age and explores the magical world of theatre. This is a creative and exciting opportunity for children to explore the wonders of theatre, while keeping them entertained.

A performance from “Bubbles”, an exciting theatre production aimed at kids this festive season at the Artscape. Picture: Supplied

This exciting production is directed by Elisabeth Manduell and features Cape Town Opera Young Artists and OperaLAB participants, bringing music, song and play together in an exciting way. Proudly sponsored by the City of Cape Town, “Bubbles” takes place in the intimate Innovation Lounge at Artscape. Performances are from 14 to 17 December at 10am, 12.30pm and 2pm each day. Tickets cost R240 per parent and (one) child, through Computicket or Dial-A-Seat at 021 421 7695. Follow @capetownoperacompany on Instagram.

The Baxter Theatre returns with a bang after Covid-19 with The Lilliput Children’s Theatre Company’s exciting rendition of “Cinderella”. There are only five performances from Tuesday, December 20 to Saturday, December 24, 2022, at 10.30am. “Cinderella” is one of the world’s most treasured and loved fairy tales, a firm favourite for the children, and is written and directed by Elton John Duffy, who has been producing children’s theatre and delighting audiences for the past 29 years. This is a pantomime with a modern twist, loads of audience participation and popular songs from Justin Bieber, Black Eyed Peas, Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake and Roxette.

The cast of “Cinderella” prepares for a stellar pantomime for children and family at the Baxter Theatre.

The production stars Desle McConney as Buttons, Liande Valentyn as the Fairy Godmother, Chantal Herman as Prince Charming, Che-Jean Jupp as Augusta, Dean Van Der Ventel as Petronella, Ashley Scott as William and Monique Rockman as Cinderella.

“Cinderella” is a smart holiday entertainment choice for children and the whole family.

Tickets are R120 per person and bookings are through Webtickets online at www.webtickets.co.za or at Pick n Pay stores. For block bookings or any further information, please call Elton at 083 364 8284 or visit www.lilliputplayers.co.za.