Peter Rabbit at the Peoples Theatre

Potter's mischievous little rabbit creation is more than 100 years old, yet continues to enchant children around the world. Now that the Peoples Theatre, located at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, has obtained the rights to stage the show, Gauteng youngsters will be treated to these timeless tales with their simple, yet fun, moral lessons.

In addition to Peter Rabbit's adventures in the garden of Mr McGregor, the play will feature five other Beatrix Potter stories, relating the tales of Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle Duck, Mrs Tiggy Winkle, Johnny Town Mouse and the Flopsy Bunnies.

Costumes are replicas

In characteristic Jill Girard and Keith Smith style, the production will come to vivid life with music, dance and theatrical magic - all caught up in a swirl of imaginative costumes, which are replicas of the original Potter drawings, and framed by a colourful and effective set.

The top-flight cast will include Solomon Cupido, Andrew Lightley, Emmanuelle Girard, Botha Enslin and Sama Yoyo.

The six Beatrix Potter stories will be introduced by an actor reading the first few lines from the book, after which the story flows seamlessly from the page to the stage, as the various animals in the tales become embodied by the live characters on stage. Without the children being aware of it,
they are experiencing reading as a stimulating and entertaining activity.

Audience participation

Girard and Smith have enjoyed a long-standing and successful creative partnership, and one of the hallmarks of their children's plays is the audience-participation element - the children are encouraged to interact with the characters, demystifying the live theatre experience for them, getting them actively involved in the storyline and enhancing their enjoyment of the show.

Peter Rabbit and Other Tales is suitable for pre-schoolers right up to Grade 6 learners. Special prices are available for schools that wish to make block bookings. Tickets are R80 for non members and R70 if you are accompanying a Kids Club member. Performance times are 9am and 11am during the week (during the government schools' term time) and 10.30am and 2.30pm (during government school holidays and on Saturdays). Phone Andrew or Lorraine at +27 (0) 11) 406 1563/2340 or email .