Joburg Theatre presents the brand new Janice Honeyman pantomime, Pinocchio. This record-breaking spectacular has 60 artists performing on stage.

Veteran stage; television; and film actor, Tobie Cronjé, once more heads up the annual pantomime, this time as the gentle woodcarver, Geppetto. Fiona Coyne, best known as 'that bitch in black' from South African TV’s long-running game show, The Weakest Link, and renowned for her sharp wit and dry humour, is cast as Pinocchio’s wicked accomplice, the cat. Much loved celebrity and lauded TV star, Terence Bridgett (Jerome from 7de Laan and Chico from Isidingo) joins Pinocchio and the cat in mischief as the anthropomorphic fox.

Leading lady of the stage, award-winning actress, Fiona Ramsay, returns to panto-land after a seven-year absence as the magical Blue Fairy. Young and talented Sibu Radebe has been cast as Pinocchio. Sibu has performed in many musicals in South Africa over the last few years, including the role of Lefou in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, for which he received two Naledi Awards: ‘Best Breakthrough Performer 2008’ and ‘Best Comedy Performer’.

Sexy heart-throb, Jacques, will be making a guest appearance. Jacques Terre-Blanche achieved overnight fame from the 2003 M-Net Idols competition. He is currently enjoying the success of his second album, The Colour Red, having had four number one hits and been nominated for a South African Music Award in the category of ‘Best Pop Album’.

The sensational cast also features Timothy Le Roux playing Panto Dame, with Nadia Beukes; Charles Bouguenon; Matt Counihan; Jesse Christelis; Tessa Denton; Eloise Horjus; Christopher Jaftha; Lutho John; Dolly Louw; Tshepi Mashego; Revano Michael; Jodie Renouf; Bradley Searle; James van Helsdingen; and Julian Wenn.

Executive Producer, Bernard Jay’s casting coup for this pantomime production is undoubtedly the inclusion of the 35 dancers of The South African Ballet Theatre as Special Guest Stars, bringing the full performing company on stage to a record-breaking and eye-poppingly spectacular 60 artists.

The endearing, timeless tale of Pinocchio will be brought to life by acclaimed writer / director Janice Honeyman. “I have wanted to write and direct this pantomime for over 20 years,” declares Janice. “My adventures of Pinocchio will be full of magical surprises, a visual feast.”

The story tells of Geppetto’s son, Pinocchio, a wooden puppet who is desperate to become a real boy. On his journey of discovery, he encounters a cat and a fox (who are definitely crooks); the Blue Fairy (who operates from a Wishing Star); Jiminy Cricket (who becomes Pinocchio’s conscience figure); as well as many other weird and wacky characters. It's a cautionary tale of a child's journey and a father's unconditional love.

Pinocchio will be on The Mandela stage at Joburg Theatre from 4 November 2009 to 3 January 2010. Booking at Computicket is open. Call 083 915 8000 or visit www.computicket.com.