Production: Pinocchio, written and directed by Rick Everett, music and lyrics by Pippa Duffy, based on Carlo Collodi’s story
Venue: Baxter Concert Hall, Cape Town
Run: 30 September – 5 October 1991
Cast: Aubrey Ellis (top-billed) as Gepetto, Bridget Wells as Pinocchio, Pippa Duffy as the Blue Fairy and Kitty Cat (stepping into the role originated by Pat Boothman), Liana Collet, Rick Everett (also played the sly Ferdinand Fox)

The Ellis Contribution: Aubrey Ellis received top billing in the starring credits, reinforcing his position as a cornerstone of the Story Spinning Theatre company well into the 1990s. As Gepetto, “the famous old Italian toymaker,” he was praised for “a wonderful rapport with his audience” — the reviewer described him bringing two young volunteers on stage to help search for Pinocchio, and at the performance reviewed, the children stole the show to the point where Ferdinand Fox felt obliged to refund the money he’d stolen.

Critical Acclaim: Elmarie Shelley, “Pinocchio charms all over again” — praising Everett’s colloquial adaptation, original music and lyrics, and calling it “a colourful storyline packed with moral lessons,” enhanced by “beautiful costumes, clever lighting.”

Significance: The poster is a good example of the company’s bold, graphic marketing style, and bridges the gap between Story Spinning Theatre’s earlier ’70s/’80s successes and their later Baxter-era work.