The Joburg Promusica Kidz team is launching 2009 with a vengeance! Roald Dahl’s popular classic “Danny, the Champion of the World” will be staged at the Joburg Promusica Theatre from 02 March – 28 March 2009. This version of “Danny the Champion of the World” has been adapted for the stage by internationally acclaimed children’s writer, David Wood.

Wood’s adaptation of Dahl’s “James and the Giant Peach” played to sold out houses in February this year, and due to popular demand it was only fitting to bring yet another of Roald Dahl’s most famous and well-loved books to our stage.

“Danny, the Champion of the World” tells the story of Danny, who lives happily and peacefully in a gypsy caravan with his devoted father and works his spare time in their small village petrol station.  However, when Danny turns nine his world is turned upside down when he learns of his father’s secret passion for pheasant poaching in the estate of the nasty, greedy Victor Hazell, the local wealthy landowner.  In the early hours, Danny awakes to find that his father has failed to return after a night of poaching.  Fearing that his father may be in grave danger, Danny leaves the caravan and sets off on a courageous journey to rescue him. Soon, with a little help from the village, Danny finds himself the mastermind behind the most incredible and exciting plot ever attempted against Victor Hazell.”

David Wood writes:  “The play attempts to enhance the community atmosphere. Danny and his father are popular villagers, whose unfair eviction notice prompts the other villagers (helped by the audience) to take action on their behalf.  This Dahl classic is unusual, in that it does not involve fantasy – or, at least, everything in the book seems entirely plausible and “real”. Perhaps it is this element, along with the movingly drawn father/son relationship, that endears it to children, who listen to the arguments for and against poaching with rapt attention.”

The themes explored in this piece revolve around adolescence and childhood innocence, freedom of choice, the choice between doing what’s right or wrong and the wonderful bond that exists between parent and child.

The cast of “Danny the Champion of the World” consists of some extremely talented young actors and also some very experienced older actors who will undoubtedly add to the subtle and intimate beauty of this play.

Reviews on “Danny the Champion of the World”:
“David Wood’s ingenious adaptation … the rapture shown by Dad and Danny when they succeed is lovely to behold.”  Jeremy Kingston, The Times

“… as fine a piece of theatre for young people as one could hope to see … moving, uplifting, funny and fast-moving … captures the spirit of Dahl’s work in a highly persuasive and heartwarming manner.” Wales Theatre

“… theatrical colour, real emotional depth and good old-fashioned fun … watching an audience of young people respond positively to a piece of live theatre is always a joy.”  South Wales Evening Post

“… a fine celebration of one of our finest storytellers … justice is triumphant in the end, and we are left with the warm glow that the master of storytellers intended.”  South Wales Argus

Dates:   02 – 28 March 2009

Venue:  Joburg Promusica Theatre, 100 Christiaan de Wet Rd, Florida Park, Roodepoort

Times:  09:00 and 11:00 weekdays
              10:30 on Saturdays and Public Holidays

Tickets  R65 – adults & children

Bookings at Computicket

Please visit our website www.promusica.co.za for more details