Jack and the Beanstalk enchants Joburg

Joburg’s festive season has become synonymous with pantomimes and this time around South Africa’s queen of panto, Janice Honeyman promises an enchanting and feel good production of Jack and The Beanstalk. The ever popular pantomime story traditionally sets good against evil and is jam-packed full of Janice’s wit, double-entendres, charm and magic.

On stage at the Joburg Theatre until 22 December, the panto enlists South African stage talents Lelo Ramasimong, Zolani Shangase,  Germandt Geldenhuys,  Neo Motaung,  Dezlenne Ulster-Weale, Clive Gilson and more in bringing the story of poor country boy Jack, the family cow, the magic beans, the enormous beanstalk, the unfriendly giant and the enchanted hen that lays the golden eggs to life.

Making his pantomime debut as the villain is legendary actor, comedian, writer, radio and TV host, and director Casper de Vries who started his professional career in 1986.  Returning to Joburg Theatre following her triumphant success in the role of Shug Avery in The Color Purple is Lelo as the good fairy. The performer became a household name in South Africa when she made it to the Top 10 on Idols SA. Lelo’s theatre career has also included featured roles in Dreamgirls, African Footprint and Burn the Floor.

The role of Jack the Joller brings back actor Zolani to Joburg Theatre. His stage credits include a year in the West End of London with The Lion King and – in South Africa – Janice Honeyman’s Aladdin, The Rocky Horror Show, Show Boat, Orpheus in Africa and The Color Purple.

Also featured in Jack and The Beanstalk are Germandt as the Dame, Neo as Mrs Skwashie Mangowashie, 22-year-old Dezlenne Ulster-Weale as Raspberry Rose; and panto stalwart Clive as Dom-Dik Canari. Completing the all-South African company are Cameron Botha, Ashleigh Butcher, Olivia Cloud, Gugu Dhlamini, James McPhail, Arno Meyer, Noni Mkhonto, Katlego Nche, Nolo Song, Justin Swartz and Carmen Tromp.