‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ spreads message of hope this festive season

ONE of the world’s favourite fairy tales, Jack and the Beanstalk, is bringing the magic of Christmas to Durban’s Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from tonight to January 15.

Jack and the Beanstalk follows the tale of a young man, Jack, who lives with his mother Dame Flora Flatbroke, in a small cottage, in the country.

Destitute, Jack trades the family cow for a handful of magic beans, which grow into a towering beanstalk reaching up into the clouds. Jack climbs the beanstalk and finds himself in the castle of an unfriendly giant.

The giant senses Jack’s presence and of course cries, “Fee-fi-fo-fum! I smell the blood of an Englishman. Be he alive, or be he dead, I’ll grind his bones to make my bread.”

Outwitting the giant, Jack can retrieve many goods once stolen from his family, including a bag of gold, a goose that lays golden eggs, and a magic golden harp that plays and sings by itself.

Jack then escapes by chopping down the beanstalk. The giant, who is pursuing him, falls to his death, and Jack and his family prosper.

Written and directed by theatre veteran Steven Stead, this magical and hilarious pantomime features William Young as Jack, Blessing Xaba as his mother and Shelley McLean Downham as Glissanda Goldenvox.

McLean-Downham who plays the good fairy, told IOL Entertainment that this classical pantomime couldn’t have come at a better time – when people need hope because of the hardships and the loss that many families have suffered in the past two years.

“If the past couple of years have taught us anything, it’s that no matter

how bleak the situation may look, you should always have hope because there might just be something around the corner that can save the day or help you conquer the challenges you may be facing,” said McLean Downham.

“The show also teaches us that even the baddies, like our Lady Perfidia Beastly, right near the end of the show, turn from evil ways and joins the good guys. I think that shows the power of inclusivity and second chances.

“And maybe on a slightly deeper level, even if you are making poor choices, that there is an opportunity to turn things around.”

The Durban-based pianist, drummer and cabaret artist said she was most looking forward to interacting with the young audiences and seeing families come together during the festive season.

“I’m excited to be part of this process, just the joy of being able to be in the space with fellow artists and to be able to do what we love and to to share that with an audience.”

She said pantomimes were a big tradition for a lot of families in Durban, and part of the Christmas season celebrations.

“It will be great to see families come together and celebrate this special tradition … sheer joy, fun and laughter. It doesn’t get any better than that.

“And I cannot wait to hear the kids scream and shout back at the performers and boo the baddies.”

Tickets are R130 via Webtickets. JOBURG

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

Where: Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre

When: December 14 - 24.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been described as “a sumptuous banquet for the eyes, ears and imagination; a sensory delight for any tired soul”.

This is the perfect show to celebrate humanity, family and above all, generosity of spirit.

Ashley Dowds will portray Scrooge, the tight-fisted, miserly grump who is transformed, after three visitations, into a new Scrooge, spreading goodwill and cheer through his generous spirit. He is supported by AmberDawn Burnhams.

“We’ve always loved our adaptation of this evergreen classic and believe that it’s necessary to stage the show now, more than ever. Audiences are all Netflix-ed out and are craving true human connection and shared experiences,” said Jaco van Rensburg from VR Theatrical.

“Our production is truly unique and features animated ghosts, original music and two wonderful actors playing several characters.”

DURBAN

Ihubo

Where: The Playhouse

When: December 17-18.

Mbuso Khoza, a proud son of KZN culture, joins forces with iJadu le Afrika Ensemble in this magnificent new Playhouse production which details the origins of this ancient Nguni musical genre and its impact on posterity.

Over and above its wow factor components – those crowd-pleasing Zulu dance, song and narrative elements of the famous Khoza brand – Ihubo engages with audiences as it takes a deep dive into the historic background across three centuries, seeking out the origins of the abaNguni songs that were passed down to younger generations.

The production also explores the relationship between Ihubo and the Struggle songs that still live on in our collective memory today.

“Ihubo is a prayer of the village and a scroll of the nation. It is easy to teach when we are singing (rather than) being nervous in a classroom,” said Khoza.

“Music is a natural remedy for all situations. AbaNguni managed to document their ideas, thoughts and history through music. Ihubo is the only song that can teach, heal, awaken, restore, safeguard.”

CAPE TOWN Oh What a Night

Where: Baxter Theatre Centre When: Currently on until Saturday. Oh What a Night tells the true musical story of a young man from the dusty roads of the Cape Flats, growing up with inspirational and influential teachers, artists and impresarios.

Shadley Schroeder’s on-stage life journey from the tender age of 7 until now, as the CEO of his own production company, is interlaced with comedy, heartache and musical hits from the Motown era shared on stage with a live band and special friends.

The show, filled with old-school melodies, will tug at your heartstrings and get your feet tapping.

You will leave this performance having been taken back to your roots thinking, if not uttering, “Oh What a Night”.