Jhb croc to join theatre cast
2007-10-26 21:25
Johannesburg - Actors in a Peter Pan pantomime opening in the Johannesburg Civic Theatre shortly will take special care how they treat a key cast member.
On stage will be a special guest from the Johannesburg Zoo - a 3.5m crocodile.
Senior zoo official Stephen van der Spuy said on Friday the theatre had a major problem finding a crocodile for the show that opens on November 4.
"In desperation they contacted the zoo and, by luck, we had a very tame hand-reared crocodile."
Named Rolex, the crocodile was scheduled to arrive at the theatre on Monday morning.
It would be loaded and escorted by zoo keepers to ensure a safe journey and arrival for the reptile.
Rolex would have at least a week for "rehearsals" before the official opening of the show.
The play is a tale of adventure and dreams of Peter Pan and his gang.
It is a classic story, also featuring Captain Hook, whose hand is bitten off by a crocodile.
Rolex is unlikely to take his role that seriously.
"He is a well-behaved crocodile and we have never experienced any problems with him," Van der Spuy said.
- SAPA