For the lovers of theatre, storytelling, dance, and musical entertainment there are a number of theatre spaces in Cape Town that allow us to experience the thrill of arts and culture. Each of these renowned spaces has its own cultural allure that boasts something unique. Many of them host everything from amateur dramatics to critically-acclaimed acts, both from South Africa and abroad. Which is your favourite?
Artscape Theatre
As Cape Town’s premiere performing arts venue, the Artscape Theatre Centre hosts productions ranging from large scale operas and drama to internationally renowned ballet showcases and musicals.
With a mandate to be of service to the varied communities of Cape Town, Artscape is known for annual events such as the Youth Jazz Festival Concert and the significant Unmute ArtsAbility Festival which is a platform for both disabled and able-bodied performers.
The center’s iconic venues include the Artscape Opera House, the Artscape Arena, and the Artscape Theatre.
Where: DF Malan St, Cape Town
The Baxter Theatre Centre
From spearheading multiracial collaborations in defiance of Apartheid to putting on progressive work, the Baxter Theatre’s legacy is its stand out quality.
As one of the major theatre venues in Cape Town, it continues this heritage with programming that prioritizes the production of new South African work that tackles social justice head on. Located in Rondebosch, it is affiliated with the University of Cape Town and serves the city and its adjacent districts. Opened in August 1977, the Baxter has five theatres, two rehearsal spaces, a bar and a restaurant.
Its theatres are the Pam Golding theatre, the Concert Hall, The Golden Arrow theatre, and the Masambe Theatre.
Where: Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Theatre on the Bay
An intimate yet world-class stage, Theatre on the Bay is located in the beautiful beach suburb of Camps Bay, just up the road from the idyllic tidal pool.
Local theatre impresario Pieter Toerien established this stage as a home to world-class entertainment for drama, comedy, dance, musicals, and cabarets. The 264-seater venue is a regular host to some of South Africa’s top performers, as well as productions visiting from overseas.
Where: Link Street, Camps Bay, Cape Town
Kalk Bay Theatre
This one-of-a-kind theatre is surrounded by the ocean. Sexy, classy and bursting with fun, it offers locally produced, world-class entertainment, with a naughty-yet-nice edge. Having partnered with the Brass Bell restaurant, the theatre gives preferential seating for patrons who dine at the restaurant before a show.
Kalk Bay Theatre offers spirited productions of music, comedy and cabaret to its dedicated community. The atmosphere is a big part of the experience. Formerly housed in an old church, the theatre moved in 2020 to this new cabaret-style venue which seats up to 100 people
Where: Main Rd, Kalk Bay, Cape Tow
Masque Theatre
The Masque Theatre was created by founder Bertie Stern in 1959 to encourage voluntary participation in all forms of theatre by all people.
Guests can enjoy various productions from first class acts. Destroyed by fire in 1997, it took two years to rebuild, and is now a first-class venue, seating 174, able to host live shows (musicals, dramas, dancing, etc.), seminars, presentations, film shows and more.
Where: 37 Main Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town
Olympia Café and Deli
Olympia Café and Deli, originally a fish-and-bait shop, is a bakery, restaurant and cafe which plays host to Jazz at the Bakery, and various other events.
Beyond a great little menu, the café serves as a hub for artistic expression, regularly hosting live music performances and stage shows. Locals and visitors gather here to indulge their senses in a unique fusion of flavours and melodies. The café’s intimate setting provides an ideal backdrop for musicians, poets, and actors to showcase their talents, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that resonates with the spirit of the coastal community.
Where: 134 Main Rd, Kalk Bay, Cape Town
The Homecoming Centre
The building formerly known as the Fugard Theatre makes up the largest portion of space in the Homecoming Centre. The programmes and exhibitions in the two buildings work together to provide visitors with an in-depth understanding of an important part of our country’s history.
The District Six Museum’s programmes use the Homecoming Centre as their base for workshops, launches, and other activities and stage productions. The venue is equipped to host film screenings and other forms of public dialogues.
Where: cnr Caledon & Buitenkant Sts, District Six, Cape Town
Maynardville Open-Air Theatre
The Maynardville Open-Air Festival features theatre, comedy, dance and orchestral music as part of a three-month line up of classical entertainment which traditionally includes a Shakespeare play.
Similar to London and New York’s Shakespeare in the Park programmes, Maynardville’s green wooded park has been The Bard’s Cape Town home since the 1950s, and is one of the region’s favourite outdoor theatre venues. It has become traditional for theatre-goers to picnic around the park and lake before the show starts in the 700 seater theatre setting.
Where: 20 Piers St, Wynberg
The Drama Factory
The Drama Factory is an independent and intimate theatre that aims to provide quality entertainment to suit a wide variety of tastes.
As well as showcasing mainstream productions they provide creatives with a workshop to manufacture performances. An assembly line for theatrical productions of all natures. The Drama Factory endeavours to provide an affordable space for productions to bring their creative ideas to life and present high-quality entertainment to our audiences. From music to theatre to poetry and more, there is something for everyone.
Where: 10 Comprop Square Henry Vos Close, Asla Cres, Somerset West Business Park
