…..SoSuterBill…..

……BY BILLY SUTER……

WONDERFUL news for fans of Durban’s award-winning KickstArt theatre company – the team’s acclaimed production of the delightful children’s classic, Charlotte’s Web, first staged in 2019 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, is being revived and adapted for outdoor performances soon.

Presented by KickstArt in association with Durban Botanic Gardens Trust, the show, freshly adapted for its new setting under the trees, will run from April 5 to 11 at Durban Botanic Gardens. It will be presented daily at 2.30pm, with morning shows at 11am on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Designed and directed by Greg King, this adaptation of the classic E B White tale runs about an hour and 20 minutes, with a 10-minute interval.

The show centres on Wilbur, a cute, plucky piglet, who is rescued and hand-raised by a little girl named Fern. When Wilbur is sent to live on the Zuckerman’s farm in a barn full of delightful animal characters, he befriends a spider named Charlotte, who must use all her cunning to outwit the local farming community and save Wilbur’s life.

For my review of the 2019 production, click here: https://wp.me/p8dL0W-4BF

Presented on a colourful set, and offering a fun of puppets, theatrical magic and a cast of well-loved local actors, this play for young audiences is the perfect Easter treat for all ages.

The amphitheatre is the park’s usual spot reserved for outdoor shows and will be signposted. It will be open for seating one hour prior to each performance.

Audiences are invited to pack their own refreshments, bring their picnic blankets and cushions and arrive early for a fun outdoor picnic-theatre experience.

Charlotte’s Web stars Belinda Henwood (Charlotte), Mthokozisi Zulu (Wilbur), Bryan Hiles (Templeton the Rat), Cara Roberts (Fern) and Lyle Buxton (Mr Arable and Lurvy).

Tickets cost R150 for adults and R120 for under-12s and pensioners.

Seating is unreserved, but will be allocated according to responsible social distancing regulations on arrival at the venue.

Free parking is available at the park’s Visitor’s Centre, 9A John Zikhali Road, and there is limited paid parking at the old Tea Garden entrance

Note that Tickets may be fully refunded or exchanged for other performances in the event of cancellation caused by Covid-19 or bad weather.