Joburg Theatre has unveiled the cast for its festive production of 'Alice in Wonderland' in 2026. The show is scheduled to run from October 28th to December 24th.
Joburg Theatre has unveiled the cast for its festive production of 'Alice in Wonderland' in 2026. The show is scheduled to run from October 28th to December 24th.
The production is based on Lewis Carroll's classic novel. The plot follows Alice as she enters Wonderland after following the White Rabbit down a rabbit hole, encountering characters such as the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Caterpillar, and the Queen of Hearts.
Ashley Scott will play Alice, who previously appeared in productions of 'The Sound of Music,' Disney's 'Magic Box,' 'Chicago,' and 'Pretty Woman.' Desmond Dubbe returns for the eighth pantomime by Janice Honeyman, taking on the role of Nurse Fanny Flopflop. Russell Savadier is cast as the narrator, Lewis Carroll, and Brendan Van Reijn will portray the Queen of Hearts.
Supporting roles include Bongi Archie as the White Rabbit and Charlie Bugenon as the Mad Hatter. The ensemble also features Siyabonga Makakane (Cheshire Cat), Lesedi Rich (Caterpillar), and Danny Micker (Jack of Hearts), along with an ensemble of 16 performers.
Chief Executive Officer of Joburg Theatre, Xoliswa Ndunene-Ngeme, noted that this production celebrates individuality and imagination. She stated: 'This year's pantomime celebrates the boundless power of imagination, reminding audiences that every person is wonderfully unique.'
Ndunene-Ngeme added that Janice Honeyman's pantomimes have become a beloved holiday tradition for generations of South African families, and 'Alice in Wonderland' promises to be another unforgettable theatrical experience filled with laughter, heart, and spectacular entertainment.
Janice Honeyman emphasized that audiences can expect one of her most inventive works. She explained that Lewis Carroll created a world where anything is possible, which is what makes 'Alice in Wonderland' such a joyful stage production. According to her, 'beneath all the fun, humor, and madness lies a beautiful story about self-discovery and realizing you don't need to change to belong.'
The creative team includes Assistant Director Tim Le Roux, Musical Director Dale Ray, Choreographer Khaya Ndlovu, Costume Designer Mariska Meyer, Set Designer Andrew Timm, Sound Designer Ahonu Bozo, and Lighting Designer Johan Ferreira.
Tickets are now on sale, and an early bird discount is available until August 31st. Additionally, school performances will be organized during the run of the show.
Cape Town rapper YoungstaCPT shared his opinion on contemporary creativity, emphasizing that success requires more than just having a stage. He highlighted the importance of talent, dedication, and a deep understanding of the fundamentals of one's craft.
There is often a societal discussion about creativity that boils down to a simple question: 'Why don't you just start?' However, for many artists, reality is much more complex. YoungstaCPT recently spoke with George Avakian, where he discussed the growing notion that anyone can instantly grab a microphone, start a podcast, or become a rapper.
He stated: 'Not everyone deserves a podcast microphone. Not everyone should go into a studio and try to be a rapper.' YoungstaCPT explained that creative spaces are sometimes perceived as an easy way out or a means to avoid difficulties, whereas behind every successful artist lies a level of dedication, discipline, and years of work that often goes unnoticed.
This conversation reflects a broader trend in the creative industry, where talent, consistency, and visibility do not always go hand in hand. With personal experience in this field, he has seen how many creative people work behind the scenes to hone their skills while trying to find opportunities amid ever-increasing competition.
YoungstaCPT believes that creativity is hard work. Regardless of whether a person is involved in writing, performing, producing, or finding their own voice, there is a craft that needs to be developed. The idea that artists are simply avoiding 'real work' ignores the hours spent creating something from nothing in an industry with continuous competition.
In YoungstaCPT's view, the emergence of instant platforms has changed the audience's perception of talent. He added: 'You don't have to be the best; you can be average or worse and still manage.' His advice to aspiring creatives is to master the basics first before trying to reinvent them. It is necessary to look at those artists who paved the way, study their experience, and then adapt those lessons to the modern world, because despite changes in platforms, the work behind significant art remains unchanged.
Television and radio host Zanele Potelwa traveled to the United States to attend the trailer presentation for the film 'Children of Blood and Bone'. Potelwa shared moments from her trip with her followers.
One of the highlights of Potelwa's recent international trip was meeting internationally acclaimed South African actress Thuso Mbedu. Mbedu plays the lead role of Zeli Adebola in the upcoming adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi's bestseller 'Children of Blood and Bone.'
Potelwa published a video featuring the multi-award-winning actress. In this clip, the 5FM host asked Mbedu what it means to play this role. Mbedu replied that it has been very important to her for a long time, and she feels very proud, grateful, and excited.
She added that she hopes viewers will feel the same way she did when reading the books and now seeing the film—hope, strength, resilience, and the desire to fight for one's beliefs. Mbedu also noted that they worked hard on the project, and that a team from South Africa and people from all over the world came together for it.
The film 'Children of Blood and Bone' is scheduled for release on January 15, 2027. The cast includes Damson Idris, Amanda Steinberg, Tosin Cole, Academy Award nominee Cynthia Eriwo, Lashana Lynch, Zakari Momo, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Academy Award nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, Academy Award winner Regina King, Idris Elba, and Academy Award winner Viola Davis.
A unique photo exhibition titled 'From Jordan to Uzbekistan with Love' has been organized in the exhibition space of the International Caravanserai of Culture Ikuo Hirayama. This exposition showcases the work of the renowned Jordanian photographer, who is also a member of the Creative Union of Artists of Uzbekistan, Abdulrakhman Valid Savalhi.
Abdulrakhman Valid Savalhi is considered a legendary figure in the field of photography. With over twenty years of experience, he has dedicated his work to documenting the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. His contribution was officially recognized by UNESCO back in 2004.
The photographer has participated in over 35 international exhibitions, ranging from London to Tokyo. He runs his own studio, Art One Studio, and serves as a judge at significant global photo festivals. Among his awards are the title of 'Person of the Year' in 2021 and inclusion in the list of the hundred most influential figures in photography.
Within the framework of the exhibition, visitors are invited to view 90 photographic works. Each photograph captures a moment of history. The exhibition features both the majestic rocks of Petra and deep portraits of people whose faces carry the wisdom of many generations. Furthermore, the author demonstrates the architectural features and daily life of Uzbekistan.
A special atmosphere is felt in the halls of the Caravanserai, where visitors spend a long time examining each frame, as if trying to catch the sounds of ancient cities or the rush of the wind. Spectators note the striking detail of the shots: minute wrinkles reflecting lived experience are visible in the portraits, and the landscapes possess such depth that they create a feeling of being able to step into the frame.
The exhibition 'From Jordan to Uzbekistan with Love' offers a rare opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a globally recognized photographer. It is a kind of invitation to a dialogue built on the principles of mutual respect and beauty. The exposition will be available for viewing until August 2nd at the International Caravanserai of Culture Ikuo Hirayama.
