| What: Magnet Theatre Family Festival 2026 When: March 13 and 14 Where: Magnet Theatre, Cnr Lower Main & St Michael’s Roads, Observatory, Cape Town Age advisory: Created for children under the age of 7 but suitable for ages Tickets: R60 adults and R40 children Bookings: Webtickets Group bookings: By arrangement directly with Magnet Theatre. Whatsapp 0649029761 or call: 0214483436. |
Thrilling news is Magnet Theatre’s Family Festival 2026 which is taking place in its beautiful theatre in Observatory on Thursday March 13 and Friday March 14. There are four new plays. The plays have been created with young audiences in mind – under seven – but are a delight for all ages. The plays look like a lot of fun. For example, Garage Gang follows “a lively team of mechanics, as they roll up their sleeves and discover the joy of making something together, with leaps, tumbles and teamwork.” The trainees of Magnet’s Full Time Training and Job Creation Programme are staging the plays and direction is by Jennie Reznek and Jayne Batzofin. After the festival, the plays will tour to 18 ECD sites in Cape Town, “growing theatre for early years audiences in the city.” Amazing. Read on for more. Info as supplied:
FOUR BRAND NEW PLAYS FOR LITTLE ONES COMING TO YOU IN 2026, WITH MAGNET THEATRE FAMILY FESTIVAL
Songs, stories and sounds, movement, dance and play that can be enjoyed by all. Magnet Theatre presents 4 new Early Years plays kindly supported by the National Arts Council and PESP6.
All 4 plays have been created especially for South African children under the age of 7 by the trainees on Magnet Theatre’s Full Time Training and Job Creation Programme in their second year of training. They are directed by Jennie Reznek and Jayne Batzofin, both recognized for their innovative, engaging and award-winning work for young children. The actors have been specially trained to make plays for this age group, creating short and delightful experiences using physical play and the universal language of the body. The shows also include innovative designs by Asiphe Lili and Rebecca Foot.
Performance Dates @ MAGNET THEATRE’S FAMILY FESTIVAL: March 13th & 14th
Times Friday March 13:
10h00 HOOPLA!
11h30 Ready, Steady, GO!
Times Saturday March 14:
10h00 Masambeni
11h30 Garage Gang
Ticket Price: R60 adults and R40 children with group booking rates by arrangement directly with Magnet Theatre
The four new plays will then tour to 18 ECD sites in Cape Town, growing theatre for early years audiences in the city!
Magnet Theatre has been creating exceptional theatre experiences for this age group for the past 13 years. Educating and enchanting little ones with performances that incorporate song, catchy rhythms and playful physicality, sparking imagination and encouraging empathy.
Magnet Theatre was honored with an Innovation Award from Fleur du Cap in 2022 for growing excellent work for young South African children and skilling young theatre makers to create work especially for children under the age of 7. Many of their shows have won awards and travelled internationally to Berlin, Bologna, Brussels, New York and Havana, showcasing South African talent and entertaining little ones all over the world. Now you can be part of the magic!
Places are limited and booking is essential.
Visit Webtickets to make your booking & Contact Zukisani on projects@magnettheatre.co.za or Whatsapp 0649029761 or
call: 0214483436 for block- bookings.
More information about the shows:
HOOPLA!
tells of imaginary friends that come to life. Get ready to spin into the magic of imagination! Through music, shared adventure and suitcases full of stories.
Directed by Jennie Reznek and Jayne Batzofin.
Performed by: Asiphumeze Stuurman, Aviwe Nose, Kananelo Lesekele, Liyema Velebayi and Zimfefe Lamani.
Designed by: Asiphe Lili.
Ready, Steady, GO!
features a spirited sports team, discovering when obstacles help us grow and when they challenge us to find a new way forward.
is a heartwarming journey about children on the move.
Directed by Jennie Reznek and Jayne Batzofin.
Performed by: Aziyena Yamile, Inganam Soxuza, Shannon Roode, Simphiwe Sefali & Someleze Madophe.
Designed by: Rebecca Foot.
Masambeni
is a heartwarming journey about children on the move.
Directed by Jennie Reznek and Jayne Batzofin.
Performed by: Ayabonga Yantolo, Busiswa Zwele, Lithetha Dywili, Olwethu Thwetsha & Onako Poswayo.
Designed by: Asiphe Lili.
Garage Gang
follows a lively team of mechanics, as they roll up their sleeves and discover the joy of making something together. With leaps, tumbles and teamwork.
Directed by Jennie Reznek and Jayne Batzofin.
Performed by: Akho Zuzani, Anga Gola, Kwakhanya Mboniswa, Nolwazi Mbutho & Yolanda Mndayi.
Designed by: Rebecca Foot.
✳ Featured image: HOOPLA! , a new play will be staged as part of the 2026 Magnet Family Festival which is on March 13 and 14. Sponsored content. Images supplied.
