As many may know, a lot has happened at The Playhouse Theatre in Somerset West over the last six months.

From the devastating storms in April that blew the local theatre venue’s roof clean off to the amazing support from the Helderberg community that facilitated the repairs and renovations of the beloved theatre to some truly amazing shows, 2024 has been one for the books! And the year’s not done yet! The Playhouse still has two exciting shows coming up to round-off the year. Have you got your tickets?

Repairs and renovations update

The storm damage renovations project is now complete with all contractors off site. A lot of theatre lovers will have seen the new-look foyer, even if they haven’t yet had a chance to see all the changes backstage, which the performers, casts, crews and visitors are thrilled with, especially the new kitchen in the Small Room.

The Playhouse Theatre is now planning suitable safety, first-aid and fire-marshall training courses for 2025, so if anyone is interested in volunteering and becoming qualified in any of these areas, please contact Mark on vice-chairman@theplayhouse.org.za to find out more. The upgrades to security and safety are ongoing and the theatre will keep locals posted on all the changes.

Fundraising efforts

De Hoop Primary School very generously donated the proceeds of their choir evening in August to The Playhouse renovations fund. The R13 000 donated will be added to the fantastic sum raised at the theatre’s inaugural Gala Evening: A Night at the Theatre. With performances from Hottentots-Holland High School, local dance studios, not to mention the incredibly talented Jon-Paul Ruschenbaum, Jarred Pitout and Nicolette Fernandes, the theatre’s glamorous guests were left with their cultural cups full. The master of ceremonies for the night was the hilarious Alan Committee who not only kept the audience laughing but also led the auction helping raise a staggering R140 000 towards the much-needed upgrading of the theatre’s lighting and sound equipment. The Playhouse is immensely grateful to each and every individual who donated to, attended and supported the evening and is hoping this will become an annual event.

A light isn’t always just a light

There has been a lot of work going on in the background on tech and putting plans in place to start buying the theatre’s own kit.

Will van der Leij and Latham van Rooyen have been working hard to identify and prioritise the need. The first phase is now going ahead: replacing the old face lights with new ones and buying 10 new Parcan lights. These lights are the foundation of any theatre lighting set up and will replace the 1970s lights currently being used and will allow the theatre to reduce its power draw to within the capacity of its inverter and batteries.

Front of House

It’s been a busy few months in the Front of House, with lots of outside hires and the success of the theatre’s own shows, The Crucible and ’Allo ’Allo. The Playhouse Theatre now has a new point of sale system, a coffee machine, and the kitchen has been refitted. The new kitchen was particularly useful for its ’Allo ’Allo-themed evenings, which was thoroughly enjoyed, with so many of the audience members getting into the spirit of it – there were some wonderful costumes!

Social events

The theatre’s first Members Evening quiz night was great fun – even if the request was received for more geography questions next-time…

The Playhouse extends its gratitude to everyone who attended.

The next Member’s Evening will be held on Tuesday 26 November, with a wine-tasting forming part of the event.

These evenings are for paid-members only, although each member may bring a guest. If your membership has lapsed or you are interested in becoming a member, you can do so at the event. Membership is still only R100 for 2024.

The theatre has also had some great workshops. Sue Diepeveen from The Drama Factory presented a talk in September about writing and performing a one-woman show and has promised to return for a practical writing workshop. In October, participants worked with masks and enjoyed playing with masked performance. The November session on Tuesday 19 November will be run by Darryl Spijkers, director extraordinaire, and will be lots of fun. Sessions run on the third Tuesday of every month and are open to anyone over 65 (or thereabouts). Tea, coffee, biscuits and chat also provided.

For more information on the social events, send an email to community@theplayhouse.org.za.

Exclusive offer

The Playhouse Theatre boasts a special offer for members who would like to see extracts from Cape Ballet Africa’s show SALT at The Drama Factory, with a reduced rate of R225 for the following dates and times: Saturday 16 November at 15:00 and 19:30 and Sunday 17 November at 16:00.

To book, send an email to membership@theplayhouse.org.za and give the names of the members you are booking for.

Upcoming shows

There are two more months left of 2024, and two incredible, not-to-be-missed shows!

Show me how you burlesque directed by Darryl Spijkers and Jon-Paul Ruschenbaum is back by popular demand until Saturday 16 November. The return of the fabulous vaudevillian song-and-dance spectacular showcases the depth of the community’s talent. Hits from Cabaret, Moulin Rouge, Chicago and The Rocky Horror Picture Show as well as Dirty Dancing, The Great Gatsby, James Bond, Tina and more. With a few topless guys and the girls mostly in their bustiers and stockings, an age restriction of 16 is advised.

Snow White: A Pantomime directed by Carly De Bliquy will be staged from Thursday 5 to Saturday 21 December.

Get ready to boo the baddie, sing along with the Dame and cheer Snow White as she achieves her happy ever after. With all the ingredients of a classic pantomime, dance, song, jokes this is a seasonal treat not to be missed. There will be a relaxed performance of the pantomime on Sunday 8 December and The Playhouse will also be hosting a Christmas market and a very special visit from Santa Claus during the run.

Tickets for both shows are available on Webtickets.