Director Frans Swart adapted the two new Liewe Heksie stories – Liewe Heksie en die Tuppels and Waar is Kleinkwaaitjie Kabouter? – for the stage. Heksie is played by Ana van Achterbergh, Debrè Rossouw plays Blommie Kabouter, Klein Kwaaitjie and others; Botha Enslin will be Kwaaitjie Kabouter, Geel Heks and Groot Trol; and Patrick Shabangu is to play Koning Rosekrans and Karel Kat.

Liewe Heksie, created by Verna Vels, made her debut in 1961, in the Siembamba programmes of the SABC. Verna, a radio presenter by profession, read the stories (and did all the characters' voices) herself. In the stories' broadcast at that time, Blommie Kabouter was the main character, while Heksie was the one who helped him from the frying pan into the fire time and again. Not surprisingly, the first story was called Blommie Kabouter en die heks wat vergeet het.

The actual Liewe Heksie series, where Heksie inevitably became the main character, began in 1963. They were broadcast every now and then, with repeats all the way to 2010. Thus, Liewe Heksie became part of our cultural heritage.

Apart from radio broadcasts and books, the Heksie stories took various shapes over the years. There were records, later CDs, and puppets, and two television series.

Swart adapted Vels's stories for the stage, and also directs this production. "To me, this is such a privilege! I was a cameraman on Liewe Heksie years ago, and that is why I am so excited about directing Heksie now. It was an honour to work with Verna Vels and Louise Smit back then, making Heksie into a television show. Verna has given us great characters, stories and dialogue to work with – and that's why I really want to direct this play," Swart said.

In Liewe Heksie en die Tuppels, Karel Kat is very depressed, because his 'people family' want to get rid of him. Heksie and Blommie go and help him, but then Heksie makes everyone run in circles when she decides to sit in Karel's new car for a bit and begins pressing all kinds of buttons!

In Waar is Klein Kwaaitjie Kabouter? Klein Kwaaitjie and the Fairy are kidnapped by the Trolls to work in their mines. Koning Rosekrans thinks it may have been Geelheks from Gifappeltjieland, but when Heksie goes and looks for them, they are not there. Oh, where can they be? Kids, you will have to come and help find them!

Bookings have just opened at Computicket – call them on 011 340 8000, or visit your nearest Computicket branch. You may also want to book on the website. For more information, please visit www.lieweheksie.co.za.