The Little Prince Lands at Montecasino With Puppets, Shadows and Song in 2027

Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre, Johannesburg | 26 February to 21 March 2027

There are stories you read once and forget, and then there is The Little Prince. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s little book about a pilot, a desert and a boy from a faraway planet has been loved by readers for more than 80 years, and early next year it returns to Johannesburg as a magical new mini musical. VR Theatrical’s adaptation, complete with puppetry, shadow theatre and an original score, lands at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre from 26 February to 21 March 2027.

A story that grows up with you

First published in 1943, The Little Prince has been translated into more than 250 languages. It begins when a pilot stranded in the desert meets a mysterious young prince from a tiny, distant planet. As the prince shares stories of his travels through the universe, he reveals the curious ways of grown-ups and gently reminds us that the things that matter most are not always the things we can see.

That is exactly what makes this production such an easy choice for families. Children get strange planets, extraordinary characters and plenty of room for their imaginations to run wild. Adults who grew up with the book get the chance to revisit it with fresh eyes, and perhaps finally understand the parts that went over their heads the first time round.

For Van Rensburg, the appeal lies in how the story quietly challenges grown-ups. He points to the businessman in the book who is so busy counting the stars he owns that he never looks up to enjoy them. A child spots the absurdity immediately, while adults tend to laugh and then wonder how often they do the same thing.

Puppets, shadows and a brand new Aviator

Adapted and directed by Elizma Badenhorst, with original music by Wessel Odendaal, this 60-minute production brings the story to life through shadow theatre and the intricate artistry of Japanese Bunraku puppetry, a traditional form in which puppeteers work in full view of the audience to give a figure movement and personality.

There is also a clever twist. Saint-Exupéry’s original illustrations never show the pilot’s face, leaving the character’s appearance to the reader’s imagination. Badenhorst has taken that freedom and reimagined the iconic Aviator as a woman, offering a fresh perspective on one of literature’s most famous encounters.

One day, I revisited the little book about a little prince on a little planet who journeyed through a big universe, and I froze. This was not the same book I had read as a child, and yet it was. I was the one who had changed.

Elizma Badenhorst, Director and Adaptor

Meet the cast

Noluthando Mathebula | The Little Prince
A true triple threat and graduate of Oakfields College, Noluthando has quickly become one of the most exciting young talents on Joburg stages. Audiences may recognise her from Sarafina! and Janice Honeyman’s Pinocchio at the Joburg Theatre, Seussical Jr. at The Peoples Theatre, and as Mowgli in VR Theatrical’s The Jungle Book, which also earned her a spot on the original South African cast recording.

Tamith Hattingh | The Aviator
A Cape Town based actress, improviser and voice artist with more than a decade of experience across stage, screen and voice-over. Her musical theatre favourites include Donkey in Shrek The Musical and Paulette in Legally Blonde, and she co-founded The Improv Cart.

Kaylee Mcilroy | Ensemble
A UCT graduate whose credits include Ophelia and Desdemona for Think Theatre, two Ovation Award winning shows at the National Arts Festival, and Chilli in Bluey’s Big Play.

Enzo Cocciante | Ensemble
An actor, writer and director from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Enzo trained at Stellenbosch University, where his show Poppycock won Best Ensemble at the Premièrefees.

The creative team

• Adaptation and Direction: Elizma Badenhorst
• Original Music: Wessel Odendaal
• Set Design: Nadine Minnaar
• Lighting Design: Wolf Britz
• Costume Design: Michaeline Wessels
• Puppetry Design: Christelle van Graan

Wessel Odendaal’s credits include musical direction on the South African premieres of Rock of Ages and Hedwig and the Angry Inch, while costume designer Michaeline Wessels is a Naledi Award winner. VR Theatrical itself has been behind productions such as Avenue Q, The Jungle Book and Shirley Valentine, and also runs Cape Town’s Maynardville Open Air Festival, so this little prince is in very capable hands.

Why we are excited

Tender, funny and full of wonder, The Little Prince is a reminder to stay curious, look beyond appearances and make room for the things that give life meaning. Whether this is your first meeting with the prince or a long-awaited reunion, this is one to put in the diary early, especially if you have little ones who are ready for their first proper theatre outing.

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