Family Fun for Tiny Tykes at 2016's Cape Town Fringe Festival

The Cape Town Fringe returns to the Mother City from 22 September - 8 October this year, with a programme that runs into the school holidays as well as over three weekends. A host of family-friendly daytime and early evening shows will be performed, with at least four productions appealing to the tiniest of tykes on this year's line-up.

The brand new South African version of THE GRUFFALO will premiere at the Cape Town Fringe, running daily from 22 September - 3 October. Directed by Tara Notcutt, with a cast of Grahamstown actors, the costumes and sets were also made in the National Arts Festival's home city, as part of their Creative City project. The original Tall Stories adaption of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's much-loved book has already played to packed audiences in the West End of London and beyond and is suitable for all ages.

LE RÊVE DU LUCIE, from Reunion Island, brings to life a magical tale of a little girl's nightmares and how she turns them into marvellous dreams. Using stick puppetry and wooden props, the performers weave the audience into their fantasy world and demonstrate the healing power of the imagination. Running at the City Hall from 4 - 8 October, LE RÊVE DU LUCIE will also play a free performance for children, with adults paying R30, at Gugu S'Thebe on 5 October. Preview the show in the video clip below:

CITYGULL/STADMEEU tries to figure out why Steve the seagull loves the city more than the sea. Does naming him a seagull define who he is and where he belongs? This interactive, bilingual play explores notions of belonging and acceptance and features beautiful visuals and puppetry. Showing daily at the City Hall from 29 September - 2 October, this production is sure to be a great start to the school holidays.

FABRIC OF THE UNIVERSE, which was awarded a Standard Bank Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival, is an installation that explores the joy in 'making'. Textures, sights and sounds envelope the audience as they explore a tactile and enchanted world. Created by Lexi Meier, this installation is open from 10:00 daily throughout the Fringe with shows taking place from 1 - 2 October and 5-8 October in the City Hall Foyer.

Guest Artistic Director of the Cape Town Fringe, Rob Murray, comments on the role of theatre in the lives of children:

It is well-documented that theatre inspires empathy in children and young adults and we encourage parents to look beyond the predictability of screens to ignite the world of theatre.

In partnership with the City of Cape Town, the Fringe will also be taking shows to schools across the Peninsula.

To book for all shows being performed at the Cape Town Fringe, visit the Cape Town Fringe website or call the box office on 0860 002 004. The Cape Town Fringe is managed by the National Arts Festival. The City of Cape Town is the Host Sponsor of the Cape Town Fringe, while Standard Bank is the Presenting Sponsor of the event.