Peoples Theatre presents the African Premiere of Sleeping Beauty The Musical with a Twist

The African Premiere of Sleeping Beauty The Musical will be on stage at Peoples Theatre from 3 November to 24 December 2026, allowing Joburgers to end the year with some exhilarating theatre magic with this brand-new spin to the traditional fairytale classic.

Tumelo Mogashoa and Gabrielle De Gama in Sleeping Beauty The Musical | What's on in Joburg

Sleeping Beauty The Musical takes the audience on a fairytale adventure

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. Step inside a world of magical fairies, raven spies and a host of other wonderful characters.

Young talents join this magical cast

Peoples Theatre is excited to have two exceptional young talents, Gabrielle De Gama and Tumelo Mogashoa, playing the feisty Princess Aurora and the charismatic Prince Perrault respectively, in this brand-new adaptation of the timeless classic.

Gabrielle De Gama 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.

Tumelo Mogashoa 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.

Tumelo has performed in LAMTA’s productions Mephisto, COSI and Being Steve, among others and 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 Goofy.

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 Bandy as Fairy Tulip.

The production book and lyrics are by Ian Curran with music by Simon Hanson and Peter Vint.

Need to know before you go

Sleeping Beauty The Musical is packed with laughter and magical moments, making it perfect for school groups, families and children of all ages.

Children who join the Kids’ Club for R155 a year receive discounted rates on tickets and get to enjoy free entrance to the show that falls closest to their birthday.

For school group rates, please contact the theatre directly.

Cost: R180pp; R145pp (members of the Peoples Theatre Kids Club); R155pp (public accompanying members). Book via Webtickets

When: Running from 3 November to 24 December 2026. Public shows are Saturdays and Sundays at 10.30am and 2.30pm; school shows are Tuesday to Friday at 9am and 11am
Where: Peoples Theatre at Joburg Theatre, Cnr Hoofd street and, Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg