Family adventure, silent film nostalgia and township drama: Joburg’s must-see theatre shows

The cast of the reimagined musical, ‘The Jungle Book’. For parents seeking alternatives to screen time, the highly anticipated return of “The Jungle Book” to the stage offers a perfect solution. Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale has been vividly reimagined for a modern audience.

The production is currently delighting audiences at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre and is scheduled to run at the AfriForum Theatre in Pretoria later in March. A scene from the spellbinding stage production, ‘The Jungle Book’. Adapted and directed by Daniel Butcher-Geddes, the production features an original score by Wessel Odendaal, paired with an original, urban-inspired set and costume design, and dynamic choreography.

The result is a strikingly modern, gritty, and stylised aesthetic that is also refreshingly original, while still honouring the core narrative. This 75-minute, family-friendly adventure follows Mowgli’s journey of self-discovery, friendship, and courage. Audiences aged 5 and up will meet beloved characters, including Bagheera, Baloo, and the formidable Shere Khan, and can look forward to an unforgettable theatrical experience.