The cast of Shrek The Musical Jr with Musical Director Coenraad Rall (centre)
First day of rehearsals – Monday 16 Feb
The Ogre is back!
CAST ANNOUNCEMENT – Shrek The Musical Jr at Peoples Theatre
Rehearsals begin today for the highly anticipated return of Shrek The Musical Jr, soon to be on stage at Peoples Theatre from 10 March – 19 April 2026.
Get ready to journey back to the swamp!
The cast begin the exciting journey today at rehearsals, of bringing this much-loved musical to life.
Each cast member will bring their inimitable personalities to the production as they create magic before your very eyes on stage.
Peoples Theatre is excited to announce the cast of Shrek The Musical Jr:
MEET THE CAST
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Luciano Zuppa – Shrek
Bethany-Joy Jiyane – Fiona
Lesedi Rich – Donkey
Raymond Skinner – Lord Farquaard
Sade Sepeng – Dragon and various roles
Lwazi Pinyana – Captain of the Guards and various roles
Back by popular demand for a limited engagement, this beloved production has been completely refreshed to give audiences a “big, bright, beautiful” theatrical experience like never before.
What’s New for this new run?
While the heart of the story remains the same, this production introduces exciting updates designed to dazzle returning fans and first-time guests alike;
- A fresh cast: a vibrant new ensemble of professional performers brings new energy and comedic timing to the iconic roles of Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey.
- Re-imagined choreography: the musical numbers have been entirely reworked with high-energy and modern movement that will have the whole family dancing in their seats.
- Enhanced design elements: from stunning new costumes to imaginative set pieces and reworked lighting, the world of Far Far Away has never looked more magical.
Shrek the Musical JR is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, masterfully adapted for the stage, while still ensuring that even the littlest theatre-goers stay captivated by the song, dance, and laughter.
Follow the journey of Shrek, the misunderstood ogre, as he and his wise-cracking sidekick, Donkey, set out to reclaim their swamp from the ambitious Lord Farquaad. Along the way, they encounter a feisty princess, a fire-breathing dragon, and a gang of fairy tale misfits who prove that true beauty is found within.
Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek the Musical JR is an irreverently fun show that proves being different is what makes you special. Don’t miss this dazzling adventure!
Shrek 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
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
Luciano Zuppa – Shrek
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. Shrek Jr. will be his nineteenth production at the Peoples Theatre. Luciano is ready to take on the role of the much beloved green ogre!
Bethany-Joy Jiyane – Fiona
From a young age, Bethany harbored grand aspirations of becoming a performer. In 2013, she made the pivotal decision to leave her small hometown and embarked on a journey to realize her dreams by enrolling in the Musical Theatre program at the Tshwane University of Technology. Subsequently, she participated in numerous productions at both the National Children’s Theatre and the Peoples Theatre. In addition to her qualifications in Musical Theatre, she is a trained puppeteer, having received specialized training from Sesame Street, and currently serves as one of the lead puppeteers on the beloved children’s program, Takalani Sesame.
Lesedi Rich – Donkey
Having performed in multiple Joburg Musicals, Lesedi has featured in Seussical Jr. The Musical as The Cat in The Hat, Stories from the Old Calabash & The Little Mermaid Jr. to name a few; on the Peoples Theatre Stage. In recent years he has been cast in various roles in Janice Honeyman’s Pantomimes appearing in Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast and his latest supporting role as Lampwick in Pinocchio.
Raymond Skinner – Lord Farquaard
Raymond, is an actor and aspiring singer/songwriter who started his performance journey, at the age of 16, with the show Beauty and the Beast Jr at the Peoples Theatre in 2018. He has since performed in multiple musical theatre productions at the Peoples Theatre and played the role of Jesus in Oakfields College’s production of Godspell (2024). He’s also received a Naledi award nomination for his performances as Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical Jr. (2023) and won the award for Best Actor in a Children’s Production for his portrayal of Aladdin in Aladdin Jr. (2024) both at the People’s Theatre.
Lwazi Pinyana – Captain of the Guards and various roles
Lwaziis a director and performer currently residing in the city of Johannesburg, he began his career as part of the YPP: Young Performer’s Project’s staging of Footloose directed by Themi Venturas. He then continued to solidify his presence in theatre performance in Sarafina! The Musical (2019), How Long? The Musical and Sinbad: The Sailor among many others. Lwazi is now currently studying a Masters’ degree at the University of Witwatersrand in Theatre and Performance. Lwazi most recently contributed his talents to productions such as, The Rhythms and Rhymes of Mother Goose, The Mantis & the Moon, a special performance with the cast of Sarafina and in Madagascar Jr as Melman.
Sade Sepeng – Dragon and various roles
Sade’s artistic journey began in 2017 when she co-wrote and directed God’s Not Dead alongside Lesego Makgale. She received Gold merits for her monologues at the Potchefstroom Gimnasium Eisteddfod and later performed in Poetry in Motion (2020). She holds a BA in Theatre and Performance from the University of the Witwatersrand, majoring in Performance and Musical Theatre. Her credits include Ukusokwa Kwemicabango KaNosipho (2023), Chilahaebolae (2023), written by Kgafela Oa Magogodi and directed by Naledi Tsolo. She also performed in AGM (2023), Pitso Ya Kalaneng Festival, stage managed ISO NGE SO (2023) and performed in Kama The Musical in 2025 at the Soweto Theatre.
Performances are from Tuesday, 10 March – Sunday, 19 April 2026
Show times for schools are Tuesday to Friday at 09:00 am and 11:00 am.
Show times for Public are 10h30 and 14h30 – Saturdays & Sundays and during school holidays.
Ticket Prices:
R180 per person for members of the public
R145 if you are a member of the Peoples Theatre Kids Club
R155 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 Webtickets: www.webtickets.co.za
The Kids’ Club
Children who join the Kids’ Club for just R155.00 a year receive discounted rates on tickets and also get to enjoy free entrance to the show that is allocated to their birthday month and 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 Shrek the Musical JR!
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