Entertainment for the kid (in each of us) in Joburg

Posted by Anita Froneman on 1 July 2022

Enjoy a few childhood memories, in the middle of Braamfontein, with a story about bravery, kindness and community; all in time to the beat of your tapping foot. 

By Ryan Enslin

Well, wasn’t I excited to hear that theatre was back in full swing here in Joburg, as The Peoples Theatre in Braamfontein officially opened to a limited run of Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids on Youth Day, 16 June.

Situated in the Joburg Theatre Complex, this purpose-designed space is South Africa’s flagship theatre for young people, and those that enjoy indulging in the arts with them.

Entertainment for the kid (in each of us) in Joburg

As a proud uncle to two nieces here in Joburg, I am always looking for things to do with the eldest, believing that time spent together doing interesting things is a way better use of my resources than buying some plastic, marked-up toy as I rush to a birthday party. Time is a precious commodity, and I recently decided this would be my gift to the next generation in our family.

But milkshakes are still on the table. As long as they are lime, and double thick.

The Jungle Book

Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale following a young boy named Mowgli through the forest and en route to a village has been a hit with youngsters ever since it was first published in 1893. Many of the kids who fell in love with it have since grown up (much like myself) but recently, the enchantment of those long-forgotten songs enticed many a kid-turned-adult in the audience back to life, as my niece Beth and I went to the opening performance.

Picture: Ryan Enslin

The set, designed by Grant Knottenbelt, is brightly coloured to include just about every hue of the rainbow and is wonderfully interactive, which adds to the excitement as the characters go about their journey.

The show, which initially started a run in March 2020 but was shut down due to the COVID pandemic, has been revived thanks to a partnership with the Joburg Theatre and the generosity of private sponsors.

The Jungle Book Kids is produced by Jill Girard and Keith Smith, who say: ‘Gauteng audiences will be entertained by the magic of Disney’s treatment of Rudyard Kipling’s classic story and the wonderful songs, set and choreography will bring all the essential ingredients to make this a memorable, theatrical experience!’.

Bagheera, Mowgli’s mentor and protector, is expertly played by Yamikani Mahaka-Phiri, who shared: ‘The show is fun for the whole family, from three to 103, and is jam-packed with wonderful, memorable music that the kids will love.’ Yamikani was recently seen in Beneath African Skies, a celebration of our multi-cultural South African heritage, based on a collection of African children’s fables.

Fortunately, Stages Restaurant in the Joburg Theatre Complex was open and welcoming theatre goers on our trip to the theatre. And they serve double-thick lime milkshakes. Big smiles on both our faces that day.

The show runs until Sunday 17 July 2022 with performances at 10:30am and 2:30pm on weekends and during school holidays. Bookings can be made either via The Peoples Theatre or the Joburg Theatre. Find The Peoples Theatre in the Joburg Theatre Complex, Corner Loveday and Hoofd Streets, Braamfontein.

After the current run of The Jungle Book Kids, audiences will be treated to Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Dates are still to be finalised, so keep an eye out on social media for updates.

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Also consider these fun activities

Still looking for interesting, interactive activities to do with kids around Joburg? Give these a try:

–The Art Shebeen in Linksfield is a wonderfully creative space where your young Picasso can create to their heart’s content. They have a wide selection of mosaic templates, mosaic pieces, paints and other painting-based activities, and they are really well priced. Best of all, there’s a great little Italian Deli in the same centre that sells amazing coffee and delectable pastries; hey presto, everyone’s happy. Beth did quite a good job on a mosaic star there recently. Find them at 113 Club Street, Linksfield.

–Acrobranch has two branches in Joburg (Huddle Park and Melrose) and a further seven spread across the country, and gives kids (and adventurous adults) a chance to swing through the treetops using ziplines, swing bridges and Tarzan swings. The courses are all family-friendly and safe for kids, with a wide range of fun activities to keep them busy. Beth is a particular fan of Acrobranch. Uncle not so much.

Follow more of Ryan’s adventures in and around Joburg on Instagram.

Pictures: Supplied

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