Written and directed by the legendary Steven Stead, Puss In Boots is a pantomime for the whole family. Set on a Caribbean island, the story centres on the iconic quick-witted cat armed with a clever plan and a pair of boots, navigating magical twists and comic misadventure to alter his owner’s fortunes.
The cast includes multi-talented actor-singer Rory Booth in the title role, with Belinda Henwood as good fairy Calypso Honeybunch, multi-Naledi Award-winner Bryan Hiles as the villainous Grimsby Withergood, and Kyran Brady Taylor as Tom Marzipan.
Presented by KickstArt Theatre, a Durban-based non-profit company with over 170 local and national awards and a two-decade track record of large-scale productions at major South African venues. The production follows last year’s warmly received Jack and the Beanstalk at the same venue, continuing KickstArt’s annual tradition of holiday-season pantomimes.
Behind the scenes
Steven Stead is a veteran of theatre, spending eight years as senior staff director at the English National Opera before returning to Durban to start KickstArt Theatre with Greg King. A few of his many directing credits include South African premieres of Shrek, the Musical, John Logan’s Red, David Ives Venus in Fur, Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses, and Stephen Sondheim’s Company.
The play’s whimsical costumes are designed by Steven Stead’s partner-in-crime, Greg King. Together, they have been producing plays, musicals and pantomimes in Durban for 25 years. Some highlights include productions of Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, Chicago, Isidlamlilo, and Shrek The Musical. After winning his third Fleur du Cap earlier this year, King has been involved in many of the season’s most successful productions, including Twelfth Night, Carmen, and The Rocky Horror Show.
Performing Arts Centre founder Simone Mann is the choreographer of this rambunctious play and is known for choreographing the recent, wildly successful The Rocky Horror Show. Franky Steyn is the show’s experienced lighting designer, serving as the senior lighting and AV technician at the Baxter Theatre, and has even won a Fleur du Cap award for his work in Steven Stead’s production of Metamorphoses in 2025.
More about Puss In Boots
While the show’s focus is on dazzling younger audiences with colourful characters, lively songs, and moments of audience participation, there are local references and bits of humour designed to ensure adults get just as much of a kick out of it. With its blend of slapstick comedy, music, and theatrical flair, Puss in Boots offers a family-friendly adventure perfectly suited for the winter holidays.
The show runs for 2 hours and 15 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. No under 3’s are allowed. For groups and school bookings, please contact Mark Dobson at [email protected]
Cost: R250 (U18) | R300 (Adults). Book now on Webtickets.
Date: 26 June – 18 July 2026 | Shows start at 2.30pm (Mon – Fri) | From 11am & 3pm (Wed & Sat)
Where: Baxter Theatre Centre, Pam Golding Theatre, Main Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Website: kickstarttheatre.co.za
Instagram: @KickstArtTheatre
Facebook: @KickstArtTheatre
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