THE GRUFFALO ARRIVES IN PORT ELIZABETH

Ayanda Nondlwana as The Gruffalo and Nombasa Nqoqo as Mouse. Images by Nardus Engelbrecht

After a hugely successful Cape Town run and an equally well-received holiday season in Port Alfred, the South African version of Tall Stories’ UK West End hit, The Gruffalo, opens on Sunday 15 January at The Savoy Theatre in Port Elizabeth. The Gruffalo is in town until 28 January with two shows most days (11am and 3pm). Bookings can be made online at www.gruffalolive.co.za or by calling 046 603 1103 or 081 321 3574. Tickets cost R60 for adults and R55 for children and pensioners. School or group bookings of more than 30 tickets, receive a special price of just R45 per ticket.

What the critics say: “The production is an absolute pleasure to experience, for children and adults alike, as director Tara Notcutt has ensured a high level of audience participation from the children and has cleverly nuanced the characters to prompt adult chuckles, without resorting to pantomime…. The show is exactly the right length to allow the audience to leave energised and refreshed after a perfectly pitched hour of entertainment.” – Shirley Marais, The Announcer (Port Alfred). “An enchanting production, powered by the energy of kidlet-giggles that ripple through the room, as they respond to the characters on stage” - Barbara Loots, Theatre Scene Cape Town.

Ayanda Nondlwana, Nombasa Ngoqo, Sisonke Yafele and Mandisi Heshu are directed by Tara Notcutt in a production that boasts a uniquely South African flavour. It is ideal for children between the ages of 3 and 10 years and their grown-ups, and, as a Foundation Phase reader, is a must for pre- and primary school children and teachers. Audience participation, ingenious comedic work by the narrator, and carefully spaced rhymes and bouncy songs keep busy young minds focused, while the rest of the family enjoy the energy and fun of children’s theatre.

For a special treat, bring the family to join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in the magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Tickets to shows on Monday the 16^th and Tuesday 24^th of January are “Two-for-the-price-of-one” and are likely to be snapped up. For more info and to book, visit www.gruffalolive.co.za and like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/gruffalolive/