Canal Walk Takes Flight With Peter Pan for a 24th Year of Winter Theatre Magic

Pirates, fairy dust and a flight to Neverland mark this year’s family theatre tradition at Canal Walk.

Canal Walk’s winter theatre tradition returns this year with Peter Pan, marking the 24th production to take to the Centre Court stage. Audiences can expect flying scenes, fairy dust and a fair amount of pirate mischief when the show opens from 27 June to 19 July.

Each winter, Canal Walk transforms its Centre Court into a stage for live theatre, a tradition now in its third decade. This year’s production brings J.M. Barrie’s classic story of Peter Pan to life, complete with a ticking crocodile and a feud between Peter and his old enemy, Captain Hook.

“Peter Pan marks our 24th production here at Canal Walk, and it feels like the right story to mark the occasion,” says Vanessa Herbst, Marketing Manager at Canal Walk. “For more than two decades, school holidays at Canal Walk have meant live theatre for local families. Watching children return year after year, now bringing their own children along, is what keeps this tradition going.”

A story of flight, family and a few old scores
The story follows Wendy, John and Michael Darling, whose ordinary London nursery is turned upside down when Peter Pan flies in through the window in search of his missing shadow. Wendy helps stitch it back into place, and in return, Peter teaches the children to fly, leading them to Neverland, a world where nobody grows old. There they meet Tinker Bell, the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily and a band of pirates led by the fearsome Captain Hook, who has not forgiven Peter for an old quarrel involving a crocodile and his missing hand. Adventure, rescue and a fair amount of mischief follow before the children find their way home.

Killian Blerk takes on the title role of Peter Pan, with Rachael Saunders as Wendy Darling and Jeremy Richard playing both Mr Darling and Captain Hook. Kaira Naidoo brings Tinker Bell to life, while Evan Marinakos plays Pirate Smee. They are joined by Tim Truran, Jade Tayla, Andi Colombo, Anzio September, Asanda Mngadi and Jonan Mouton, who complete an ensemble taking on roles from mermaids to Lost Boys.

“Peter Pan gave us the chance to bring flight, fairy dust and a touch of mischief to the Canal Walk stage,” say co-directors Fred Abrahamse and Marcel Meyer. “J.M. Barrie’s story has lasted more than a century because it asks a simple question: what would it mean to never grow up? We wanted Cape Town families to feel that wonder for themselves, pirates, mermaids and all.”

“This year’s production will support Reach for a Dream, a foundation that makes dreams come true for children living with cancer, with a portion of ticket and programme sales going towards the foundation’s work in Cape Town. “Each ticket bought helps us grant another wish to a child who needs something to look forward to,” explains Heidi Rowley, Head of Fundraising at Reach for a Dream Foundation Cape Town.

As in previous years, there is no reserved seating, so early arrival is recommended. With past productions known for selling out, Canal Walk is encouraging families to book ahead.

Show Details

Venue: Canal Walk Centre Court
Dates: 27 June to 19 July 2026 (closed Mondays)
Times: 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm
Tickets: From R130pp via Webtickets: bit.ly/4dZVQTG
Directors: Fred Abrahamse and Marcel Meyer
Running Time: 60 mins (no interval)
Recommended Age: From age 2 and up
www.canalwalk.co.za

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Author: Neke Ndlovu from Angelfishpr and Events on behalf of Canal Walk.