Joburg - a festive season of family fun

Unbeatable holiday fun this festive season – get down and dirty with the animals at the zoo, have fun while you learn at the library, watch a play.
JOBURG has unbeatable holiday fun this festive season: a programme of fun and educational activities at Joburg Zoo, educational activities at its 80 libraries, plus fantastic shows at Joburg Theatre.

Johannesburg Zoo
The zooLive animal demonstrations at the zooChill out this December holiday at the Johannesburg Zoo and be prepared to have fun, make new friends, learn loads and, of course, get dirty. If you are between the ages of seven and 13 years old and love the outdoors, this programme is for you. Do things only zookeepers get to do and see places only they get to go, play some games, meet the animals and get arty.

For the little ones – age under seven– there puppet shows, storytelling and animal demonstrations on alternate days on 12 to 15 December and 19 to 23 December. Refreshments will be served and a ride on the ferry is included in the cost of R65 per person. Details to be given on enquiry and booking is essential. Children need to be accompanied by an adult for this programme.

Booking is essential for all the programmes. Call 011 646 2000 extension 216 or email lebo.moalusi@jhbzoo.org.za.

Libraries
Did you know the City of Johannesburg has 80 libraries? Before you get bored, go to your local library where holiday programmes include a range of activities, from beading to storytelling and arts and crafts. For example, at Bryanston Library, there’ll be an exciting and interactive puppet show. Visit your library now and ask for more details.

Joburg Theatre
Children can have fun reading books at City librariesChildren can have fun reading books at City librariesThe most popular pantomime story of them all, Cinderella, is brought magically to life from page to stage by legendary storyteller and mirth-maker Janice Honeyman in a high quality, top-drawer production packed with an abundance of comedy, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and, of course, that special moment when Cinderella is transformed from rags-to-riches and whisked off to the ball – with the help of a little dusting of Fairy Godmother magic.

Featuring the biggest and best all-star cast: South Africa’s most adored panto star, Tobie Cronjé, and TV villain Barker Haines, Robert Whitehead, as the Ugly Sisters; multi-award winning star of the stage, Sibu Radebe, as Buttons; musical theatre’s shining young star, Carmen Pretorius, in the title role; the dynamic new star, Idols 2010 finalist, Bongi Mthombeni, as Prince Charming; and Afrikaans soap star, Anna-Mart van der Merwe, guest-starring as the Fairy Godmother.

Tickets are on sale exclusively through the Joburg Theatre website, or by calling the theatre’s direct ticketing line on 0861 670 670.

Discounted rates for groups of 10 or more are available by calling the theatre’s VIP Ticketing on 011 877 6853/4. Special family packages and pensioner discounts are available for selected performances. Contact the theatre directly on 011 877 6853/4. Janice Honeyman’s Cinderella is sponsored by BankservAfrica, in association with M-Net, Kaya FM and You Magazine.

Cinderella is on the Nelson Mandela Stage until 30 December.