The Hobbit
In April 2023 award winning director Alan Swerdlow created a masterful production of The Hobbit at National Children’s Theatre. The play was enjoyed by young and old and received excellent reviews. NCT was proud to present this children’s fantasy novel by English author J. R. R. Tolkien. It was published in 1937 to wide critical acclaim—it remains popular and is recognized as a classic in children’s literature. This one-hour version staged a suspenseful, fast-moving journey through Middle Earth by the home-loving hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. When Gandalf the Wizard knocks at Bilbo’s door, bringing with him Thorin Oakenshield, eleven ragged looking dwarfs, and a contract for an adventure to recover the lost treasure of Lonely Mountain, now guarded by Smaug the dragon, Bilbo could not be less interested—at first. But Bilbo is persuaded and before he knows it, he’s off on a perilous quest over a mountain and under hill, through caves and forests until the final resolution, not only for Bilbo but for all the Hobbits who inhabit Middle Earth, endearing the story in the hearts of children and adults who continue to enjoy this introduction to Lord of the Rings. Personal growth (maturity, competence, and wisdom, applying one’s wits and common sense), heroism, understanding how greed destroys the human soul. Motifs of warfare. Themes: Personal growth: maturity, competence, and wisdom and applying one’s wits and common sense. Heroism. Understanding how greed destroys the human soul. Motifs of warfare.
What to know before you go
- Due to mature content, The Hobbit is recommended for ages 9 and up.
- This production is staged indoors, with air conditioning, and is a fun adventure and full of imagination. It does not contain the use of any smoke effects, flashing lights, loud noises, or war effects.
- The Hobbit is an immersive theatre experience. The audience sits on chairs or cushions on the floor. Some patrons seated nearest to the stage could be asked to interact with the action.
- The tuck shop is open at interval, and offers healthy snacks and drinks.
- We don’t want to give away any ‘spoilers’ but we do want to note that the production will not cause distress or trigger challenging emotions for children.
Shifting Moira Katz & Eleonore Godfroy
After 10 years of steering NCT’s growth and ambition as CEO, and completion of our rebranding effort, Moira Katz has a new and vital role: In this iteration, Moira’s vision and expertise will be accessed through her new role as NCTT Board Director for Special Projects. Day-to-day oversight will now be in the warm and capable hands of Eleonore Godfroy, NCT’s new CEO (and former longtime Trustee).
Passionate about the arts, making a difference and living consciously, Eleonore has been involved in the creative and marketing industries for the past 20 years. Before establishing herself in Johannesburg in 2006, Eleonore started her professional career in London where she worked at Christie’s auction house, and Sadler’s Wells, London’s leading dance organisation. On arrival in South Africa, Eleonore joined the FNB Dance Umbrella team, and spent 7 years at the French Institute of South Africa. She is delighted to join National Children’s Theatre as the CEO and hopes to continue the work done by Moira Katz and Joyce Levinsohn to transform children’s lives through theatre.
Cast
Gamelihle Bovana
Bilbo Baggins
Karabo Oberem
Thorin Oakenshield
Kira Timm
Gollum
Gareth Meijsen
Gandalf
Mpumeh Matlhola
Smaug
Artistic Team
Alan Swerdlow
Director
Sarah Roberts
Costume and set designer
Dale Scheepers
Musical Director
Jane Gosnell
Lighting design
Sone Pieterse
Stage Manger
Gideon Moyo
Assistant Stage Manager
Special Thanks
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher: Robert Weigel
Webber Wentzels: Annabelle Parry
Ogilvy Public Relations: Samantha Presbury
Ideon Agency: Andrea Katz and Martyn Straw
…
Box Office
011 484 1584 or [add WhatsApp Number]
Tues-Sat 8.30-4pm
Box office window remains open until curtain time
