THE BIG BAD MUSICAL - Ideal family entertainment this winter at the newly refurbished ROODEPOORT THEATRE
Roodepoort Theatre in association with Stageworx
Presents The Big Bad Musical
A Bold and Joyful Family Courtroom Comedy Musical
16 – 30 July 2026
Roodepoort Theatre, in association with Stageworx, is proud to present The Big Bad Musical, on stage for a limited season from 16 – 30 July 2026; a bold and joyful family courtroom comedy musical where YOU as the audience get to decide the verdict!
Fairy-tale Land is in an uproar as the notorious Big Bad Wolf is hauled into the court and slapped with a class-action lawsuit by some of the most famous characters in storybook history.
Little Red Riding Hood, her Grandmother, the Three Little Pigs, and a host of other familiar faces are determined to prove that the Wolf is a menace to society once and for all.
Presiding over the biggest trial ever to hit the fairy-tale world, Judge Wise Old Man must listen as witness after witness takes the stand to share their version of events.
With the Fairy Godmother leading the prosecution and the Wolf's unlikely defence team fighting to clear his name, the courtroom quickly descends into a hilarious battle of accusations, surprises and unexpected twists.
As the evidence unfolds, audiences discover that every story has two sides, and perhaps the Big Bad Wolf isn't quite as guilty as everyone thinks.
Packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, memorable characters, energetic musical numbers, and plenty of audience participation, The Big Bad Musical is a fun-filled family musical that celebrates empathy, understanding and the importance of looking beyond first impressions. The most exciting part? The audience becomes the jury and ultimately decides the Wolf's fate, making every performance a unique theatrical experience.
Presented by Roodepoort Theatre in association with Stageworx, this exciting new production features a talented cast of Alumni, Accelerator Programme students, and part-time performers, alongside original music by Matthew Marinus and a colourful cast of beloved fairy-tale characters.
Will the Wolf be found guilty? Or is he simply misunderstood? The verdict is in your hands.
With a cast of 30 performers, original songs and bold theatrical staging, The Big Bad Musical is a show for the whole family.
"We are incredibly excited to be bringing The Big Bad Musical to Roodepoort Theatre. This production holds a special place in the history of Stageworx, as we first performed the show as part of our partnership with the theatre over a decade ago. Returning with this wonderful production feels like a true full-circle moment for our team."
"Audiences can expect an afternoon or evening filled with laughter, fantastic music, larger-than-life fairy-tale characters and plenty of surprises along the way. What makes this show particularly special is that the audience becomes part of the action, serving as the jury and ultimately deciding the fate of the Big Bad Wolf. It's interactive, energetic, and great fun for the whole family."
"We are also incredibly proud to showcase the talent of our alumni, Accelerator Programme students, and part-time performers, many of whom are gaining valuable experience performing on a professional stage. Combined with Matthew Marinus's original music and the support of Roodepoort Theatre, we believe audiences are in for a truly memorable theatrical experience."
– Gemma Marinus, Founder and Principal, Stageworx
The Big Bad Musical runs from 16th – Thursday 30th July at Roodepoort Theatre.
Ticket Prices
R100 Preview performance on 16 July
R100 School groups
R120 Block Bookings of 20 seats or more
R150 Public Price
Venue:
Main Theatre and Garden, Roodepoort Theatre, 100 Christiaan de Wet Road, Florida Park, Roodepoort
The Big Bad Musical runs for 70 minutes in duration and is recommended for children 4 years of age and older.
Performance Schedule:
Thursday 16 July 19h00
Friday 17 July 19h00
Sunday 19 July 11h00 & 15h00
Tuesday 21 July 11h00
Wednesday 22 July 11h00
Thursday 23 July 11h00 & 19h00
Friday 24 July 19h00
Saturday 25 July 11h00 & 15h00 & 18h00
Sunday 26 July 11h00 & 15h00
Tuesday 28 July 11h00
Wednesday 29 July 11h00
Thursday 30 July 11h00
"The Big Bad Musical is everything live theatre should be. Bold, joyful, and completely alive. When you sit in that audience and watch a child experience professional theatre for the first time, something shifts in the room. That is the moment we make theatre for."
"Roodepoort Theatre has always been a home for stories that matter, and this production is no exception. What excites me most is who will be sitting in those seats. Families from across Johannesburg, school children experiencing a professional stage for the first time, and a community that deserves world-class theatre on their doorstep. This production brings together exceptional South African talent, original music and a shared belief that the arts belong to everyone. We are not simply inviting people to come and watch a show. We are inviting this community to be part of a cultural moment that they will carry with them long after the curtain comes down."
- James Ngcobo, Artistic Director, Joburg City Theatres
RECENT ROODEPOORT THEATRE REFURBISHMENT
Roodepoort Theatre has recently undergone a significant refurbishment, welcoming audiences into a newly designed entrance, a refreshed waiting area, and a Walk of Fame celebrating the artists who have graced its stage. The Main Theatre itself has been fitted with brand new seating, ensuring that every audience member experiences the magic of live performance in comfort and style. The refurbishment was unveiled during the theatre's 45th anniversary celebrations on Heritage Day; 24 September 2025, marking a proud milestone in Roodepoort Theatre's history as a cornerstone of the arts in Johannesburg West.
Roodepoort Theatre is a performing arts venue under Joburg City Theatres, an entity of the City of Johannesburg.
The Big Band Musical Production Credits
The Big Bad Musical is produced by Roodepoort Theatre in association with Stageworx
Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Englewood, Colorado.
With Original Music and Lyrics by Bill Francoeur
Music and Lyrics for this show created by Matthew Marinus
The Big Band Musical Creative Team
Musical Director / Co-Producer: Gemma Marinus
Director: Timothy Le Roux
Resident Director/Production Manager: Katie Groves
Choreographer: Bo Molefe
Music Composer: Matthew Marinus
*Information provided by the publicist.
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