09 June – 26 July 2026
Think Happy Thoughts!
Peoples Theatre invites you to fly away to Neverland with Peter Pan Jr.
CAST ANNOUNCEMENT
Johannesburg – May 18th, 2026
Rehearsals begin at Peoples Theatre today for the much anticipated Peter Pan Jr, soaring onto the stage from 9 June – 26 July 2026.
Peoples Theatre are thrilled to announce their cast for this enchanting family show!
MEET THE CAST
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Raymond Skinner – Peter Pan
Lesedi Rich – Captain Hook and Mr. Darling
Bethany-Joy Jiyane – Mrs. Darling and Tiger Lily
Luciano Zuppa – Smee and various roles
Junior Geel – Pirate and various roles
Raymond Skinner
Raymond, is an actor and 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.
Lesedi Rich
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.
Bethany-Joy Jiyane
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.
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. Peter Pan Jr will be his twentieth production at the Peoples Theatre.
Junior Geel
Junior, is a multifaceted performer, exceling as a singer, actor, and dancer. He has had the privilege of working with esteemed institutions such as the Peoples Theatre, where he contributed to acclaimed productions such as, Stories from the Old Calabash. He also had the opportunity to showcase his talents in Janice Honeyman’s Beauty and the Beast pantomime in 2024. Recently, Junior spent seven months honing his craft on the ADORA Mediterranean cruise ship, where he dazzled audiences with his performances in multiple shows as a production dancer. Junior is thrilled to be returning to the South African stage, with his dynamic range and captivating stage presence.
There is a specific reason why producer/director Jill Girard is so enthusiastic to stage Peter Pan Jr next at Peoples Theatre.
She states; “I’ve always loved seeing parents bringing their children to the theatre and overhearing them tell them that they, too, discovered the magic of live theatre there as children.
We haven’t staged Peter Pan at Peoples Theatre for over a decade, so I’m particularly excited to be staging the new Broadway version of this timeless classic for the first time at Peoples Theatre, which will be a wonderful ‘first’ for not only the youngsters who come watch, but their parents too.”
Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and Captain Hook are here to enchant a new generation of dreamers, this beloved classic will give audiences an immersive, high-flying theatrical experience that captures the enduring spirit of childhood wonder.
Peter Pan Jr. is based on the play by J.M. Barrie, masterfully adapted for the stage to ensure that even the littlest theatre-goers stay captivated by the song, dance and adventure.
“Peter Pan is the very first example of audience participation, something that we use extensively today.
Peter Pan and Neverland have sustained popularity for over a century because they embody the universal, bittersweet longing for eternal youth, imagination and freedom from adult responsibility. The story first appearing in 1904, remains special because it balances whimsical adventure with deeper, often darker themes of abandonment and the inevitability of growing up.” – Jill Girard, Director.
Follow the journey of the boy who wouldn’t grow up as he whisks Wendy, Michael, and John Darling away to a world of fairies, pirates, and Pixie Dust. Together, they must outwit the bumbling Smee and the vengeful Captain Hook.
Get ready to head for the second star to the right and straight on till morning!
Performances are from Tuesday, 9 June – Sunday 26 July 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 via 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 Peter Pan JR!
Peter Pan 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
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