ANIMAL TAILS

Shona Johnson sparkles brightest in charming tales with African themes. (Review by Clinton Marius)

Running at the Catalina Theatre is Animal Tails, a holiday show for young children. A collaboration between Durban playwright, Sandy Bigara and her grandmother, author Joan Bottriell, the show features five short stories by the author that have been adapted for stage.

They are simple, yet charming tales with African themes, including: The Giraffe That Was Born With a Short Neck; The Warthog That Dreamed of Being a Beauty Queen; The Frog That Lost Her Croak; The Puppy That Didn’t Know How To Be a Proper Watchdog, and Charlie the Cheating Cheetah.

Sandy Bigara compères the show as Dandelion the Lioness, in turn explaining the stories to the youngsters while playing guitar and singing songs. The little ones are encouraged to join her in dance-and-sing-alongs, which they do with great delight.

Assisting Bigara are Shona Johnson, Musawenkosi Ntuli and Sarah Hawthorne, who take turns narrating, and acting out the various animal roles. All three have their moments to shine, but it is Johnson, particularly as Warthog, who sparkles brightest.

Each animal is depicted through sound and body language, and through use of colourful masks and bibs, cleverly created by Bigara.

Aimed at youngsters age 3 to 8, Animal Tails runs at the Catalina Theatre daily (except Mondays) until December 22, with an optional boat ride. Tickets R45 (R60 with a boat ride). Book at 031 305 6889 or www.strictlytickets.com - Clinton Marius