"They're all mother roles, I don't know why," laughs the charismatic Jailoshini Naidoo after breezing into the Playhouse foyer for our interview.
I don't know why either, because this gorgeous woman looks anything but motherly. In fact, you may recognise her pretty face from some of her presenting work for Eastern Mosaic, or from one of the many plays scattering her resumé.
Naidoo's latest role is as Messua in KickstArt's The Jungle Book, opening at the Playhouse in time for the school holidays.
"Messua is Mowgli's mother and she's also the narrator," she explains. "I also play Raksha, who is the wolf mother".
Naidoo says she believes these characters are far removed from herself. "Well, the wolf obviously," she laughs.
"Then Messua is a very spunky old lady. I play different versions of her and it's a challenge playing such a broad range because of the vocal quality and physicality".
But it seems the challenge is worth it for Naidoo to work with acclaimed director, Steven Stead.
"Steven saw me in a show and liked my performance very much so he asked if I'd like to work with him," she reminisces.
"Of course, I said I would, and when the time came, true to his word, he offered me these roles."
Stead's adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's book is following up on the success of his last July holiday production, Winnie-the-Pooh. This show promises to be an even more elaborate performance where 10 of Durban's best actors are joined by 15 talented children and several life-sized puppets, all bringing the story of Mowgli to life. And, of course, more breath-taking sets from the talented Greg King.
"We've had a sneak peak, the sets are fantastic," says Naidoo.
There will also be elaborate costumes by Peter Court, original music by Evan Roberts and lighting from New York-based designer, Farley Whitfield, returning to SA for this project. The cast includes top local talent in the form of Sean de Klerk, Darren King, Rowan Bartlett, Anthony Stonier, Peter Court, Michael Gritten, Iain Robinson, Marc Kay and Belinda Henwood.
"I've worked on many plays, but this is my first time performing with any of the members in this cast," says Naidoo describing how they have been rehearsing since the beginning of June.
"They're all very talented and we're getting on like a family".
As for the kid factor, Drama and English teacher Naidoo is more than at home with children.
"It's always lovely to work with kids," she smiles. "It's great to do these shows because you can be bigger with them, which is enjoyable".
However, Naidoo believes this musical is not just for the pint-sized members of the family as she thinks The Jungle Book creates a world that anyone can escape into.
"It's going to be a fantastic show because it's energetic, colourful and imaginative," she says. "It's just going to be enchanting".
- The Jungle Book is showing at The Playhouse from June 29 to July 15. Performances: Tuesday to Saturday at 2.30pm, Sunday at 4pm and Friday at 7pm with an extra Saturday night performance on June 30 at 7pm. Tickets are R80 for adults and R60 for children under 12. Booking at Computicket.