Peoples Theatre is celebrating over 35 years of providing world-class, fun-filled, and educational theatre
to countless families throughout South Africa. Situated in the Joburg Theatre Complex, this purpose-built
children's theatre is South Africa's flagship venue for young audiences, staging over four productions each year.
Children are inspired, enchanted, and challenged by the power of theatre, where a storybook comes to life
on stage through elaborate sets, costumes, great sound and lighting, and professional actors. Peoples Theatre
believes that all theatre — whether for adults or children — should uphold the same high standards of production.
Our research shows that 80% of children who attend our shows on a school outing would not normally be exposed
to the theatre. Our relationship with schools is therefore of utmost importance, as theatre itself is a
powerful form of education. Our discounted prices make this opportunity accessible to all.
We welcome children from all areas — from private schools to township and farm schools. Our range of productions
caters to children from preschool through to adults. Peoples Theatre provides a space where children from
diverse backgrounds come together to discover the joy of communication through drama and self-expression.
Jill has always been passionate about theatre. As a child, she studied under the legendary Rita Maas and began
her professional career as a young actor in Daddy Long Legs with Diane Todd and Bob Courtney. She
completed her degree in Drama before training further in London.
Jill performed in several UK productions, including the British premieres of works by Thornton Wilder and
Tennessee Williams, and participated in the Shaw Festival at Ayot St. Lawrence — the home of Bernard Shaw —
and the Kensington Arts Festival. She has worked with renowned talents such as Robert Henderson, Henzie Raeburn,
Miranda Marshal, Peter Lindsay, George Margo, and Edourd Greer.
Returning to South Africa, Jill worked at the Space Theatre and Nico Malan Theatre in Cape Town. There, she met
British actor Henry Goodman, who introduced her to the world of children's theatre when he cast her in productions
of King Arthur and Beatrix Potter.
Jill has directed for both television and theatre but has always preferred live performance. Together with Keith,
she directs at least four productions per year. She was a finalist in the 1988 Woman of the Year Awards
(Arts and Culture category).
Production highlights include The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh,
Peter Rabbit (centenary production), Cinderella, The Magic of Walt Disney,
The Gingerbread Man, Babe, and Shrek.