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Matilda The Musical Jr
On stage at Peoples Theatre: 10 June – 27 July 2025
The cast of Matilda The Musical Jr, debuting on stage at Peoples Theatre next week, are hard at work in rehearsal, excited to bring this iconic Roald Dahl classic book to life on stage for Joburg audiences.
Peoples Theatre are excited to reveal the cast, in particular the three extremely talented young girls who will alternate playing the role of Matilda.
Matilda
Amira Nathan – 10 years old
Amira loves singing, dancing, reading, playing chess and being active through playing sports.
She began musical theatre classes at the young age of 3, and has enjoyed being in several productions ever since. Her highlight has been performing in Aladdin JR, at the People’s Theatre last year.
Amira fell in love with Matilda when she was read Roald Dahl’s book at the age of 4. She loves playing the character as she admires how brave and outspoken Matilda is, not allowing anyone to break her spirit.
Peo-entle Pitso – 10 years old
Peo started her musical theatre experience is 2024 when she was first cast in an ensemble role in My Son Pinocchio. She has since been in 3 Peoples Theatre productions and continues to grow from strength to strength. This young talent loves anything that is activity based, particularly acting, gymnastics and swimming, she can be in the water the whole day.
This being Peo’s fouth production and first lead role, she is very excited to portray the role of Matilda.
Zia Kani – 10 years old
This is Zia Kani’s fourth production with the Peoples Theatre. She has been in Shrek, Aladdin, Winnie the Pooh and now Matilda. Zia has also played the lead in a Netflix movie, Finding Lerato 2 as well as a support role in Pound for Pound which was on BET Africa. Zia comes from a family of immaculate actors being the granddaughter of industry icon, Dr John Kani, she is a true example of talent running in the family. She is enjoying every second of performing as Matilda as this character embodies her own personality of being brave. When Zia is not acting and singing she enjoys drawing her favourite Anime characters.
The adult roles will be brought gloriously to life by:
Miss Honey – Amelia Stephens
Amelia is a singer and actress who recently graduated as top student from Oakfields College with a diploma in Musical Theatre and Dance. She has been in productions such as Sister Act (2022), Reflections (2023), Godspell (2024) and most recently Seussical Jr. at the People’s Theatre (2025). She is excited to perform in this production with her hard work ethic to portray the warm-hearted Miss. Honey.
Miss Agatha Trunchbull – Luciano Zuppa
Luciano started his professional career almost 42 years ago performing in cabaret shows, plays and musical theatre. His career has taken him on tours all over South Africa and around the world. Matilda Jr. will be his nineteenth production at the Peoples Theatre. Luciano is ready to take on the stern Miss. Trunchbull and stretch himself in this villain role.
Mrs. Wormwood – Jordan Rogers
Jordan Rogers is a singer, dancer and National School Of The Arts alumni. She has performed at the Joy of Jazz Festival (2022) and Krone at Loftus Verseveld stadium (2023). She made her stage debut in 2024 as a featured character in Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast Pantomime and is now enjoying the role of Mrs. Wormwood in People’s Theatre Matilda JR..
Mr. Wormwood – Raymond Skinner
Raymond Skinner is an actor and aspiring singer/songwriter who has performed in multiple musical theatre productions. Notably playing the role of Jesus in Oakfields College’s production of Godspell (2024). He’s also received Naledi award nominations for his performances as Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical Jr. (2023) and Aladdin in Aladdin Jr. (2024) both at the People’s Theatre.
Mrs. Phelps – Motheo Thabane
Motheo is a multidisciplinary theatre artist, working as a performer, director, stage manager, and social media content creator. She holds a National Diploma in Musical Theatre and Dance from Oakfields College and has contributed to several Naledi-nominated productions, including Swingle Bells, Back in Lights, and Key Change. Her extensive backstage experience includes roles as stage manager, director’s assistant, and production manager across companies such as VR Theatrical, Pieter Toerien Productions, and KickstArt. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for live performance, Motheo brings creativity, reliability, and heart to every stage she steps on or behind.
Dumisa Dumisa – The Escapologist
Dumisa is an honours graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Art from the University of the Witwatersrand, where he majored in Musical Theatre and Directing. He is a multidisciplinary artist who aspires to use research in the arts as a tool to help influence progression in our global society. While he was in high school, Dumisa was honoured to be elected in the top 30 of a National Acting Competition which was sponsored by Kyknet TV and performed in a production from the Young Performer’s Project called Buddy Holly Story. Dumisa is thrilled with his first role in a musical production playing the enchanting and magical Escapologist in Matilda JR.
Matilda The Musical Jr is the tale of a brilliant little girl with telekinetic powers. She has an unhappy life with her parents and the show follows her in her attempts to turn her life around. Matilda’s parents believe she is a nuisance while she thinks they are only interested in watching the television.
Matilda features the spectacular combination of Roald Dahl’s plucky heroine, a moving script by writer Dennis Kelly and hilarious words and music by Australian comedian Tim Minchin makes this a treat your children will remember forever.
This is an enchanting tale that delves deeper into Roald Dahl’s themes of self-empowerment and finding one’s true self.
Adults will also enjoy and appreciate the show’s clever humour and word-play just as much as the children. With catchy original songs, it’s pure magic from scene to scene!
Matilda Jr’s Creative Team:
Produced by Peoples Pre Productions
Directed by Jill Girard
Set Design by Grant Knottenbelt
Costumes by Luciano Zuppa
Choreography by Sandy Dyer Richardson
Musical Direction by Coenraad Rall
Publicity by Collett Dawson of The CoLab Network
Peoples Theatre is exited to present to you an ensemble of talented performers who will take you on this great Matilda JR adventure!
Cast list
Matilda
(these actors will alternate playing the role of Matilda)
Amira Nathan
Peo-entle Pitso
Zia Kani
ADULT CAST
Mr. Wormwood – Raymond Skinner
Mrs. Wormwood and Acrobat – Jordan Rogers
Miss Honey – Amelia Stephens
Agatha Trunchbull – Luciano Zuppa
Mrs Phelps and Cook – Motheo Thabane
Escapologist and Dance instructor – Dumisa Dumisa
Performances are from Tuesday 10 June – Sunday 27 July 2025
Show times for schools are Tuesday to Friday at 09h00 & 11h00.
Show times for Public are 10h30 & 14h30 – Weekends and school holidays
Ticket Prices:
R175 per person for members of the public
R140 if you are a member of the Peoples Theatre Kids Club
R150 for public accompanying members
For School group rates, please contact the theatre directly
PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
Call 011 877 6841 or email info@peoplestheatre.co.za for bookings or enquiries.
You can also book online at www.joburgtheatre.com or at www.webtickets.co.za
The Kids’ Club
Children who join the Kids’ Club for just R150.00 a year receive discounted rates on tickets and also get to enjoy free entrance to the show that falls closest to their birthday. Kids Club members receive fun newsletters and stand to win fabulous prizes in exciting competitions. So why not come and spend some quality time at the PEOPLES THEATRE Come as you are, come dressed up but whatever you do don’t miss Matilda The Musical Jr!
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With grateful thanks to Joburg Theatre for their wonderful support
