Children's Entertainment • KwaZulu-Natal

The Fairytale
Express

Film-quality character entertainment, creative experiences and unforgettable magic for birthday parties, special events, festivals, schools, restaurants and corporate functions.

Princess character entertainer Pirate character entertainer
Welcome aboard

Where Imagination Comes to Life

The Fairytale Express has been creating magical memories for the past 11 years. We bring film-quality character entertainment and related services to thousands of children and families at birthday parties, special events, festivals, markets, restaurants, schools and corporate events.

From enchanted princesses and daring superheroes to mischievous pirates, whimsical fairytale characters and magical mermaids, our professional performers bring imagination off the page and into the real world.

We proudly serve Hilton, Howick, Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas in KwaZulu-Natal.

Make your event unforgettable

Entertainment for Every Adventure

Whether your event needs a hero, a princess, a splash of colour or an entire world of imagination, we can help create an experience your guests will remember.

👑

Character Entertainment

  • Princesses
  • Superheroes
  • Fairies
  • Pirates
  • Mermaids
  • Generic Characters
  • Custom event characters with adequate notice
🎨

Creative Entertainment

  • Face-Painting
  • Temporary Airbrush Body Art Tattoos
  • Balloon Twisting
  • Makeover Stations
  • Craft Parties
🎪

Events & Experiences

From intimate birthday celebrations to large festivals and corporate events, we can create entertainment packages designed around your occasion.

Professional performers. High-quality costumes. Magical memories.

A truly magical experience

Meet Mermaid Calypso

Invite a real mermaid to your special event! 🧜‍♀️

Mermaid Calypso brings an unforgettable touch of underwater magic to parties and special occasions. Create a truly unique experience with a professional mermaid appearance, magical interaction and incredible photo opportunities.

🧜‍♀️ Mermaid appearances
📸 Magical photo opportunities
🌊 Special event experiences
🏊 Mermaid Academy for confident swimmers
Enquire About Mermaid Calypso
Dive into your next adventure

Fairytale Flippers Swim School

A welcoming swimming environment offering individual attention through private lessons and small group lessons.

Moms & Tots Learn to Swim Stroke Correction Adult Beginners Synchronised Swimming Recreational Mermaid Squad Aqua Aerobics Corporate Wellness Team Building Sound Bath Therapy — Coming Soon

Your Swimming Space

Private Lessons & Small Group Lessons Available

🏊 12m × 5m × 1.3m enclosed and heated pool

🌡️ Approximately 27–30°C, weather dependent

📍 Walters Road, Berry Hill, Hilton

💬 WhatsApp Carla: 076 997 7485

Carla Tate as Mermaid Calypso
Meet the woman behind the magic

Meet Carla Tate

Carla Tate is the owner and founder of The Fairytale Express, Fairytale Flippers and Monster Manor KZN.

Carla holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Film Arts, with a double specialisation in Production Design—including sets, costumes, makeup and props—and Screen Acting. She has also completed an Events Management Qualification through the University of Cape Town.

Coming from a family with a deep love for the arts, business and education, Carla has been grateful to merge her passions for business, theatre, design, children and entertainment into one magical career.

Because of the enormous amount of behind-the-scenes work involved, you may not often see Carla performing as one of the many characters. She is usually busy writing performances, training cast members, styling wigs, sourcing costumes and merchandise, and preparing her team before events.

“There is, however, one character you will always see me as... Mermaid Calypso! 🧜‍♀️✨”

Thank you to all our clients, friends and family for the incredible support The Fairytale Express has received over the past 11 years. Here's to many more magical memories!

Let's make some magic

Book Your Next Adventure

Tell us about your event, your dream character or the experience you'd like to create.

📍 Areas Served Hilton, Howick, Pietermaritzburg & surrounding KZN areas
📱 Entertainment Enquiries 076 997 7486
📧 Email express.fairytale@gmail.com