Children, parents and the press were taken on a magical journey at the opening of Roald Dahl’s George’s Marvellous Medicine at the National Children’s Theatre (NCT) in Parktown.
The play was adapted for the stage by David Wood and directed by Francois Theron.
It will be on show until 17 July at the National Children’s Theatre.
If you are a child, or just want to relive your childhood again, NCT is the place to be this coming holiday.
Samuel Hertz, Bjorn Bertholdt and Kiano Janse van Rensburg alternate in the role of George. His mother is played by Zoe Beavon who discovers that she is coming to stay and her arrival is imminent. Ben Pienaar plays George’s dad who is not pleased by this news as his mother-in-law is grumpy and hard to please.
Grandma, played by Genevieve Olivier, arrives and is just as bad tempered as the couple remember. She is given George’s room and is soon ringing the bell, demanding attention. Of course, the famous line of ‘George, where’s my medicine?’ is uttered several times. George decides he has to change her and tries to invent a magic medicine, with interesting results.
The play uses puppets to considerable effect, and the giant chicken, played by Lerato Mahlasela, entertains. This fast-paced production will keep the children in glued to their seats and the grown-ups too.
The creative team includes artistic director Francois Theron, costume design by Sarah Roberts, set design by Stan Knight and lighting design by Jane Gosnell.
This is a show where you can expect lots of fun, mischief and laughter – perfect for children who have read the book and for those who will one day.