Get ready to rock, rhyme and interact, with Mother Goose!
Children aged 3 – 7 and their parents have the chance to sing along, wave their hands and celebrate some of the best-loved nursery rhymes, as National Children’s Theatre (NCT) presents Rhymes and Rhythms: From Mother Goose to Dr Seuss at NCT’s Parktown Theatre campus.
Coinciding with World Nursery Rhyme Week, the show is sure to capture the hearts of theatre-loving Jozi families and schoolkids, with its unique blend of fun, entertainment, and charm.
Featuring much-loved rhymes and new-school sing-alongs, the show is NCT’s last production for the year, alongside Disney’s The Lion King Jr for ages 6 and up – also showing at NCT’s campus.
“From Mother Goose to Dr Seuss is an enchanting celebration for young kids, and it’s sure to spark fond memories for parents and grandparents alike,” says director Ivor Jones.
Whether it’s the little old lady who lived in a shoe, or the cow that jumped over the moon, nursery rhymes help children lay the foundation of reading and storytelling skills for life. The nursery rhymes of From Mother Goose to Doctor Seuss impart literacy, pronunciation, numeracy and life skills – all of which support childhood learning. It’s great entertainment with education thrown in too!
The interactive show helps children build motor skills, while also engaging and improving their ability to engage and communicate. It was conceptualised by NCT board chair Moira Katz, and features a rich selection of nursery rhymes from English and African traditions, many with a colourful twist.
NCT’s outstanding cast is led by Jayson Tsebe and includes Kirsten Dickinson and Abby Molz. Directed by Jones, with set and costume design by Dr Sarah Roberts, music direction by Christine Ludwig, stage management by Siphesihle Fakude, and assistant stage management by Gideon Moyo, the show runs for 60 minutes with a 10-minute interval.
Lead actor Tsebe has worked in children’s theatre for years, and starred in NCT’s recent production of Peter Rabbit & Me. “I love children’s theatre, and I’ve done it throughout my professional life,” he says. “It requires so much energy, but the kids also bring a unique energy of their own, so you come off stage exhilarated.”
Tsebe says the key to capturing the audience’s imagination in a children’s play is movement – and that’s exactly what children and parents can expect from Mother Goose.
“We keep it moving throughout,” he says. “You must be animated in children’s theatre. So, the little ones can expect an hour of singing, dancing, laughing, moving and clapping along to nursery rhymes old and new.”
Parents can be sure that time spent marvelling to the adventures of Mother Goose will support their child’s growth and cognitive development. Studies have recognised that rhyme schemes support memory and recall, as well as learning.
In the age of social media, the dramatic arts also assist children with developing their attention spans, learning interpersonal communication, as well as learning and acquiring knowledge.
Rhymes have also been shown to assist with language development and to help children overcome speech impediments. The joyful interaction of the show also helps children develop confidence and self-belief.
NCT also develops these abilities through its regular Saturday workshops for aspiring young actors and actresses.
“Interacting with other people – whether in the audience context, or as a cast member at a theatre workshop – is incredibly useful,” says Tsebe. “It improves your ability to socialise, and it develops empathy – you become better able to read other people’s feelings and to react to them.”
When: 13 November 22 December 2024
Where: NCT, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown, Johannesburg.
Book: www.NCTheatreSA.org/program.
School block bookings: Email [email protected] or call 011 484 1584.