29 Nov 2013 – 6 Jan 2014
Family Pantomime

Glorious family pantomimes have become a much-anticipated highlight in the annual Durban theatre calendar, and Kickstart rounds off the year with their eighth annual panto - a fun-filled brand new version of Jack and the Beanstalk. “This time, our panto is a real adventure story with boisterous chases, meddling baddies and great visual tricks which will appeal to the boys; and with such a strong, independent princess, and lots of magic, it will appeal to the girls too!” says Stead.

Written and directed by Steven Stead, Jack and the Beanstalk stars the supremely talented Rory Booth in the title role.  The cast also features Jessica Sole as his feisty love interest (Princess Jillian), Darren King as his long-suffering, eccentric mother (Flora Flatbroke), Liesl Coppin as his evil nemesis (Lady Perfidia Beastly), Shelley MacLean as the good fairy (Glissanda Goldenvox), and Peter Court and Bryan Hiles reprising their hilarious performances as the two incompetent crooks, Cecil and Claude, who make a comeback after their demise in Robin Hood. The larger than life giant is being played with gusto by Lyle Buxton.

Jack and the Beanstalk has an amazing set design by Greg King, with musical Direction by Evan Roberts and Charon Williams Ros (Charon is also the vocal coach), lighting design by Tina le Roux, sound design by Jackie Cunniffe and choreography by Janine Bennewith .  Costume Design is by Greg King and Steven Stead with costumes made by Shanti Naidoo. More than 40 costumes have been made, using more than 200m of vibrant, colourful fabric. All of the costumes are original this year.

The panto has an eclectic mix of music with interpretations of music by Lady Gaga, Michael Buble, some much loved musical theatre numbers and big orchestral pieces.   

Much of the magic of KickstArt’s pantos lies in the delightful designs – we have seen a beautiful dragon in Robin Hood, a breathtaking carriage in Cinderella and roses which grow before our eyes in Beauty and the Beast. This year, of course, the attraction will be the amazing larger than life giant (Lyle Buxton) ... and a flying dame (Darren King)!

Jack and the Beanstalk will run from 29 November to 5 January, with most performances at 2.30pm (Tues-Sun) and an additional 7pm show on Saturdays. Ticket prices are R130, R150 and R200 and there is a discount for pensioners and children under 12.  Booking for all KickstArt productions is through Computicket, and for block bookings of 10 or more, or sold performances, please contact Ailsa Windsor of Going Places: 0832502690 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Please note that discounted block bookings for 10 or more people are only available until the end of November.