Luciano started his professional career almost 42 years ago performing in cabaret shows, plays and musical theatre. His career has taken him on tours all over South Africa and around the world. Shrek Jr. will be his nineteenth production at the Peoples Theatre. Luciano is ready to take on the role of the much beloved green ogre!
From a young age, Bethany harbored grand aspirations of becoming a performer. In 2013, she made the pivotal decision to leave her small hometown and embarked on a journey to realize her dreams by enrolling in the Musical Theatre program at the Tshwane University of Technology. Subsequently, she participated in numerous productions at both the National Children’s Theatre and the Peoples Theatre. In addition to her qualifications in Musical Theatre, she is a trained puppeteer, having received specialized training from Sesame Street, and currently serves as one of the lead puppeteers on the beloved children’s program, Takalani Sesame.
Having performed in multiple Joburg Musicals, Lesedi has featured in Seussical Jr. The Musical as The Cat in The Hat, Stories from the Old Calabash & The Little Mermaid Jr. to name a few; on the Peoples Theatre Stage. In recent years he has been cast in various roles in Janice Honeyman’s Pantomimes appearing in Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast and his latest supporting role as Lampwick in Pinocchio.
Raymond Skinner – Lord Farquaard
Raymond, is an actor and aspiring singer/songwriter who started his performance journey, at the age of 16, with the show Beauty and the Beast Jr at the Peoples Theatre in 2018. He has since performed in multiple musical theatre productions at the Peoples Theatre and played the role of Jesus in Oakfields College’s production of Godspell (2024). He’s also received a Naledi award nomination for his performances as Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical Jr. (2023) and won the award for Best Actor in a Children’s Production for his portrayal of Aladdin in Aladdin Jr. (2024) both at the People’s Theatre.
Lwaziis a director and performer currently residing in the city of Johannesburg, he began his career as part of the YPP: Young Performer’s Project’s stagingof Footloose directed by Themi Venturas. He then continued to solidify his presence in theatre performance in Sarafina! The Musical (2019), How Long? The Musical and Sinbad: The Sailor among many others. Lwazi is now currently studying a Masters’ degree at the University of Witwatersrand in Theatre and Performance. Lwazi most recently contributed his talents to productions such as, The Rhythms and Rhymes of Mother Goose, The Mantis & the Moon, a special performance with the cast of Sarafina and in Madagascar Jr as Melman.
Sade’s artistic journey began in 2017 when she co-wrote and directed God’s Not Dead alongside Lesego Makgale. She received Gold merits for her monologues at the Potchefstroom Gimnasium Eisteddfod and later performed in Poetry in Motion (2020). She holds a BA in Theatre and Performance from the University of the Witwatersrand, majoring in Performance and Musical Theatre. Her credits include Ukusokwa Kwemicabango KaNosipho (2023), Chilahaebolae (2023), written by Kgafela Oa Magogodi and directed by Naledi Tsolo. She also performed in AGM (2023), Pitso Ya Kalaneng Festival, stage managed ISO NGE SO(2023) and performed in Kama The Musical in 2025 at the Soweto Theatre.
Back by popular demand for a limited engagement, this beloved production has been completely refreshed to give audiences a “big, bright, beautiful” theatrical experience like never before.
While the heart of the story remains the same, this production introduces exciting updates designed to dazzle returning fans and first-time guests alike;
· A fresh cast: a vibrant new ensemble of professional performers brings new energy and comedic timing to the iconic roles of Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey.
· Re-imagined choreography: the musical numbers have been entirely reworked with high-energy and modern movement that will have the whole family dancing in their seats.
· Enhanced design elements: from stunning new costumes to imaginative set pieces and reworked lighting, the world of Far Far Away has never looked more magical.
Shrek the Musical JR is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, masterfully adapted for the stage, while still ensuring that even the littlest theatre-goers stay captivated by the song, dance, and laughter.
Follow the journey of Shrek, the misunderstood ogre, as he and his wise-cracking sidekick, Donkey, set out to reclaim their swamp from the ambitious Lord Farquaad. Along the way, they encounter a feisty princess, a fire-breathing dragon, and a gang of fairy tale misfits who prove that true beauty is found within.
Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek the Musical JR is an irreverently fun show that proves being different is what makes you special. Don’t miss this dazzling adventure!
