Twelve-year-old artist Gideon van Biljon will take on the iconic role of Peter Pan in the 'Peter Pan Jr.' production by Scenario Youth. The premiere will take place at Die Centurion Teater from August 13 to 15, 2026.
Twelve-year-old artist Gideon van Biljon will take on the iconic role of Peter Pan in the 'Peter Pan Jr.' production by Scenario Youth. The premiere will take place at Die Centurion Teater from August 13 to 15, 2026.
Scenario Youth announced that Van Biljon will replace Erich Jordaan, who was originally cast for the role, as he received an opportunity to work abroad. The theater group congratulated Jordaan on the career chance and wished him success in this new phase of life.
For Van Biljon, performing this role is a lifelong dream. He shared his excitement, stating that Peter Pan is a magical character loved by everyone. He expressed hope that the audience will leave with the belief that any goal is achievable with a positive mindset.
Prior to this, Van Biljon has already built an impressive artistic career. His works include playing Eric in the internationally acclaimed 'Matilda the Musical Asia Tour' from 2023 to 2024, which was created in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company and GWB Entertainment. After studying in Cape Town and London, he performed in Israel, Dubai, China, Thailand, Singapore, India, and Abu Dhabi, showcasing his skills in acting, singing, and dancing on world stages.
His resume also includes roles as Lucas in the feature film Niemandsland, as well as participation in television commercials and music videos. In addition to theatrical activities, Van Biljon continues to practice ballet, contemporary, and jazz dance under the guidance of CBA and the Royal Academy of Dance. His many years of gymnastics have earned him several gold medals and recognition as the best gymnast in his age group.
Audiences have also seen his performances in the productions 'The Frozen Princess' and 'Aladdin' by Ever After Productions, as well as in the role of young Hercules in the show 'Hercules' by Oak Youth Theatre.
In 'Peter Pan Jr.', the public will see Peter Pan taking Wendy, John, and Michael on an adventure in Neverland—a world inhabited by Lost Boys, Brave Girls, mischievous pixies, and the wicked Captain Hook. The show will feature musical numbers such as 'I’m Flying', 'I Won’t Grow Up', 'I Gotta Crow', and 'Never Never Land.'
The main cast includes Van Biljon as Peter Pan, Amelia Oosthuizen as Wendy, Christian Beyra Martinez as Captain Hook, Charles Serrao as Michael, Aidan Bence as John, Kyle Cronje as Smitty, Jonathan Stoltz as Mr. Darling, Maya van Schalkwyk as Mrs. Darling, Mia Kruger as Tiger Lily, and Karli Roos as Lizzy. Performers from grades 4 through 12 will also participate, embodying the characters of Pirates, Lost Boys, Brave Girls, and other inhabitants of Neverland.
The direction and choreography are by Tiaan Kirsten-Lubbe and Lian Sachse, with Luigia Casaleggio serving as musical director and Ashleigh Hilton as set and costume designer. Rehearsals began in May, and the company is preparing to present the production to the public in August. 'Peter Pan Jr.' will run from August 13 to 15 at Die Centurion Teater at 123 Amkor Road, Centurion. Tickets are available from R180 via qkt.io/PeterPanJrCT26.
South African singer Tyla and the company Bratz have officially collaborated, making her the latest celebrity to receive a collectible doll inspired by her iconic fashion moments.
This announcement concludes a long discussion among fans. In 2024, Tyla shared a fan-made Bratz-style image on social media, expressing hope of having her own doll. This prediction has now become reality.
The collectible version features two outfits directly taken from her most recognizable looks. One is based on the Balmain 'Sands of Time' sculptural dress she wore at her first Met Gala in 2024, along with a miniature clock-shaped handbag that accompanied this look.
The second look reflects her stage style, combining a sequined mini-skirt, crop top, and a gold belt with a Bratz charm. The doll also replicates Tyla's braided bob, a look closely associated with the Grammy-winning artist.
This launch occurs during a very busy period in her career. Tyla's second studio album, 'A*Pop', is scheduled for release on July 24th and contains 14 tracks. The album includes previously released songs such as 'Is It', 'She Did It Again', and 'Chanel'.
The Bratz x Tyla collectible doll will first be publicly available at the Bratz pop-up store inside FAO Schwarz at Rockefeller Plaza in New York on July 24, 2026, coinciding with the release date of the 'A*Pop' album.
For Tyla herself, this collaboration is more than just a commercial deal. It places her alongside a growing list of global stars reimagined as Bratz dolls, reflecting how much her fashion image has become part of her international appeal. What started as a fan concept has become an official collectible item, arriving at a crucial moment in the singer's rise on the global pop scene.
The dalma dish, a hearty combination of legumes and vegetables, is deeply rooted in the culture of Odisha and the traditions of Lord Jagannath. This dish is considered an integral part of the Rath Yatra festival.
In the second episode of the project 'Lost Recipes of India,' travelers went to Odisha to revive dalma prepared using local vegetables that are gradually disappearing from kitchens. Among these vanishing ingredients are manjha (banana stem) and palua (arrowroot rhizome).
India loses hundreds of traditional recipes every year. The 'Lost Recipes of India' project is dedicated to documenting, preserving, and popularizing these forgotten culinary treasures by traveling across the country.
Together with food narrator Bishwajit, the authors prepare dalma using local vegetables. This process aims to preserve authentic Odia recipes and the traditions associated with the food of the Jagannath temple.
Theatre on the Square in Sandton has announced its musical concert program for the winter period of 2026. This series features performances by renowned musicians from South Africa, presenting classical, jazz, and contemporary music.
Weekly concerts are scheduled for every Friday at 13:00, running from May 29th to August 28th. Ticket prices are 100 Rand, but the price is reduced to 60 Rand for theatre members. Seats are not reserved for the concerts, and tickets can be purchased at the theatre box office one hour before the event.
The series began with the performance of 'Flute, Finesse & A Little Fru-Fru' by flautist Isabelle Bradley and pianist John Warner. This was followed by the performance of 'Sax After Noon,' featuring saxophonist Phil Holder, vocalist Tula Ekhart, guitarist Luke van der Merwe, and pianist Jonathan Biring.
The program will also present both emerging and experienced performers. Among them are pianist Daniel de Wet, guitarist Rainier Prins, Amanda Blankfield-Kosseff, Evelyn Green, musicians Malcolm Nay and Zanta Hofmeyr, as well as baritone Dr. Jean du Plessis with pianist Sonya van Zill.
Attendees can enjoy songs and opera in French performed by mezzo-soprano Megan Napier and pianist Annalien Ball. There will also be a performance of 'Fabulous Flutes,' where young flautists Jesse Jardine, Talita Pinaar, and Gabriella Klassen will perform with renowned pianist Eugene Jobert and flautist Dr. Kobus du Toit.
The program further includes performances by mezzo-soprano Auxe Trinkunas, cellist Gerrit Korsten, and pianist Paul Ferreira, as well as beloved operatic numbers from Sass Yende in the production 'Arias of the Heart.'
Theatre on the Square will also host the Welsh Male Choir led by Neil Bennett. Following this, Nlankhla Dube and the group The Music Moves Band, violinist Jonathan Mayer with violist Lynn Rudolph, and pianist Laura Pauna will perform. The final concert on August 28th will feature Pauna performing Beethoven's '32 Variations' and Schumann's 'Sonata No. 2.'
The theatre stated that the goal of this concert series is to showcase musical diversity and provide the public with the opportunity to experience live performance in an intimate setting. The concerts take place at Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton.
