Peoples Theatre stages the African Premiere of
Sleeping Beauty The Musical
A brand new adaptation of the timeless classic
3 November – 24 December 2026
View the show announcement initial video HERE
CAST ANNOUNCEMENT as rehearsals begin for Sleeping Beauty The Musical!
As rehearsals begin for Sleeping Beauty The Musical, Peoples Theatre is excited to announce that two exceptional young talents Gabrielle De Gama and Tumelo Mogashoa will be their beautiful, feisty Princess Aurora and their charismatic Prince Perrault respectively, in this brand new adaptation of the timeless classic.
The African Premiere of Sleeping Beauty The Musical will be on stage at Peoples Theatre from 3 November – 24 December 2026, giving Joburgers the ideal way to end the year with a bang…. And with some exhilerating theatre magic!
Gabrielle De Gama (Princess Aurora) is a versatile young South African performer, singer and actress with a passion for musical theatre, storytelling and dance. Her performance journey began at an early age, with theatre credits including Annie Jnr and Seussical the Musical at Peoples Theatre, alongside musical theatre studies and extensive vocal, acting and dance training.
On screen, Gabrielle played young Reyka in the Emmy-nominated South African crime drama Reyka, and has also appeared in Netflix’s Soccer Season: Playmaker.
As a recording artist, Gabrielle is signed to Virgin Music under her stage name Jaydn Elle, with several music-video releases including Sithandane and Do 4 Love, further showcasing her talents as a vocalist and performer.
With a mezzo-soprano vocal range and experience across stage, screen, music and dance, Gabrielle is thrilled to bring her love of performance, warmth and imagination to the enchanting role of Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty The Musical.
Tumelo Mogashoa (Prince Perrault) was raised as a somewhat young amateur actor in the USA, went through training at the Round House Theatre workshops and had his first amateur performance in The King and I.
He returned to South Africa to complete high school at the National School of Arts in Johannesburg. He recently graduated with a diploma from the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) in Cape Town and, trained as a triple threat, Tumelo has performed in LAMTA’s productions Mephisto, COSI and Being Steve, among others. Tumelo has also just finished the successful run of LAMTA’s Spring Awakening.
He was also cast in the international touring production of Disney’s The Magic Box, playing the lovable old Goofy.
Since then Tumelo has become a freelance artist and has enjoyed working in both community theatre and the professional stage.
Now he’s excited to make his debut on the Peoples Theatre stage as the Prince in Sleeping Beauty The Musical.
“Sometimes, very rarely, someone walks into an audition room and magic happens and they are just perfect for the role . This time, two dazzling young talented actors arrived within 15 minutes of each other and I knew we had found our Princess Aurora and her handsome Prince! Now let the magic begin!”
- Jill Girard; Producer and Director
Joining Gabrielle and Tumelo to complete the adult lead roles are Donae Brazer as Queen Catherine, Gamelihle “Game” Bovana as King Henry, Luciano Zuppa as Hellisent and Priyanka Bandu as Fairy Tulip.
Get ready for a magical adventure with
Sleeping Beauty The Musical
Sleeping Beauty The Musical brings a brand-new spin to the traditional fairy-tale we all know and love.
With all original songs, Sleeping Beauty The Musical follows Princess Aurora on her journey of self-discovery. Cursed as a child, the princess is raised in hiding, then a chance meeting with Prince Perrault sets the wheels in motion for an exciting but dangerous adventure in this ultimate tale of good vs evil.
Hunted by the wicked Hellisent, Princess Aurora must find her own path, and navigate the responsibilities of royal duty and the pursuit of her own dreams. Will Hellisent steal the throne from King Henry, or will Princess Aurora reclaim her rightful place in the Kingdom of Australis?
Step inside a world of magical fairies, raven spies and a whole host of wonderful characters.
Sleeping Beauty The Musical has been casting more than a ‘little bit of magic’ in theatres all over the world.
Now, this charming musical is bringing the magic to Africa for the very first time, transforming the stage into an enchanted kingdom, offering the perfect holiday treat for the young and the young at heart.
“I am very excited for the African premiere of Sleeping Beauty The Musical. To see families come together and experience the warmth and magic of this show is always so special, and now to have this incredible cast bring my words to life so beautifully on the stage in a brand new production in South Africa, is a true gift.
– Ian Curran – Writer and Lyricist of Sleeping Beauty The Musical
This brand-new production of Sleeping Beauty The Musical is packed with laughter and magical moments, making it perfect for school groups, families and children of all ages. With plenty of audience participation, everyone can join in the fun, boys and girls alike!
Sleeping Beauty The Musical teaches us that good will always triumph over evil, and that true love, patience and resilience can overcome even the most wicked curse cast by the Evil Fairy. At its heart, the story reminds us that kindness and love will always prevail.
Sleeping Beauty The Musical is produced by Peoples Productions in collaboration with Joburg Theatre and presented by arrangement with Curran Media Group Ltd.
Book and Lyrics by Ian Curran and Music by Simon Hanson & Peter Vint.
Whether you’re cheering on the prince or watching the colourful fairies weave their spells, this endearing adventure reminds us all that love and bravery can conquer any darkness.
SLEEPING BEAUTY THE MUSICAL
Performances are from Tuesday, 3 November – Thursday, 24 December 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
School Bookings are now OPEN and filling up quickly!
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
SLEEPING BEAUTY – THE MUSICAL Creative Team
Produced by Peoples Pre Productions
Directed by Jill Girard
Set Design by Grant Knottenbelt
Costumes by Luciano Zuppa
Choreography by Owen Lonzar
Musical Direction by Coenraad Rall
Publicity by Collett Dawson of The CoLab Network
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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 this exciting show.
