Contrary to popular belief, Cape Town isn't just a pretty face.
Indeed, the Mother City is home to some fantastic theatrical talent, the proof of which lies in the number of theatres in and around the city.
Below, you'll find a guide to 21 awesome theatres in Cape Town. So get comfortable, read on, and enjoy the show!
City Centre
Artscape Theatre Centre
Perhaps the most well-known among Cape Town’s theatres, the Artscape Theatre Centre is a wonderful space that lies on the Foreshore.
The centre encompasses multiple performance venues, such as the Opera House, the Theatre and the Arena.
Additionally, children’s shows take place in the Artscape Foyers, and the function rooms can be hired out.
Both local and overseas productions are brought to the theatre centre, and there is always something for everyone!
Ticket price range:
- +- R100 - R600 (Depending on production)
Location:
- D.F. Malan St, Foreshore, Cape Town
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- A range of theatre from internationally acclaimed musicals to local experimental shows; a host of genres.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 410 9800
- [email protected]
The Fugard Theatre
Named after Athol Fugard (the iconic South African playwright), the Fugard Theatre is located in the centre of the Mother City.
Within the building are two theatres - the main theatre, and a smaller performance space on the top level.
Shows comprise both local and international productions, with hit musicals running for months at a time.
A favourite among Capetonians, patrons will be sure to enjoy the slick productions that this theatre has on offer.
Ticket price range:
- +- R100 - R500 (Depending on production)
Location:
- Corner Caledon & Lower Buitenkant Street, District Six, Zonnebloem, Cape Town
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- A range of theatre from internationally acclaimed musicals to local experimental shows; a host of genres.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 461 4554
- [email protected]
Theatre on the Bay
Lying in the heart of Camps Bay, the elegant Theatre on the Bay forms part of Pieter Toerien Productions.
This magnificent Theatre offers up fantastic, world class, critically acclaimed shows.
From musicals, to one-person shows, revues to dramas to Shakespeare plays... the list could go on forever!
As one of Cape Town’s leading theatres, it’s a must-visit.
Ticket price range:
- +- R100 - R350 (Depending on production)
Location:
- Link Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- Everything from lavish, internationally acclaimed musicals to one-person comedy shows, farces, soirees, and everything inbetween.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- [email protected]
- +27 (0) 21 438 3301
Alexander Upstairs
Found just a level above the renowned Alexander Bar, the Alexander Upstairs is a tiny theatre that features phenomenal work.
All year round, the theatre hosts a variety of talent, including musicals, drama, comedies, magic shows, play readings and more.
The theatre may be small, but the energy generated is huge!
Theatre enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit this awesome space.
Ticket price range:
- +- 75 - R160 (Depending on production)
Location:
- 76 Strand St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- Revues, one-person shows, musicals, magic shows, and a host of other exciting and diverse productions.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- [email protected]
- +27 (0)21 300 1088
The Galloway Theatre at the Waterfront Theatre School
The Galloway Theatre is located on the campus of the acclaimed Waterfront Theatre School.
Its productions range from current student showcases to independent local performances, and shows encompassing multiple genres are staged.
This intimate space provides a great opportunity for both established and emerging theatre makers to house their work.
Ticket price range:
- +- R50 - R120 (Depending on production)
Location:
- Port Rd, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- A diverse array of dance shows, physical theatre, improvisation evenings, showcases, and plays.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 418 4600
- [email protected]
UCT Little Theatre at Hiddingh Campus
The Little Theatre, which can be found on UCT’s Hiddingh Campus, offers fantastic experimental theatre.
This theatre, in addition to other venues and studios at Hiddingh, is an excellent way for student performers to showcase their talent.
Just be sure to keep your eyes and ears open, so that you catch the events in time!
Ticket price range:
- Free - +-R100 (Depending on production)
Location:
- UCT Hiddingh Campus, 37 Orange Street. Cape Town
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- Experimental and cutting edge pieces of theatre, performed by the dramatic arts students at the University of Cape Town
Link to production schedule here
- Visit the Facebook page for productions as they happen
Contact:
- 021 650 7129
- [email protected]
Cape Town Comedy Club
Previously called 'Jou Ma se Comedy Club', Cape Town Comedy Club is bound to tickle that funny bone.
This comedy club has hosted international talent, but, even better, provides a voice (or a mic) for local comedians to make you laugh.
Situated at the V&A Waterfront, the venue is central, and has an in-house restaurant and bar.
Ticket price range:
- +- R95 - R190 (Depending on production)
Location:
- The Pumphouse, 6 Dock Rd, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- Dinner theatre featuring stand-up comedy acts with headlines, hosts, supporting acts, open mic acts and guest acts.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- [email protected]
- +27 (0)21 418 8880
- +27 (0)79 495 3989
Southern Suburbs
Baxter Theatre Centre
Found in Rondebosch, the Baxter Theatre Centre is one of the most celebrated theatres in South Africa, and has been in existence since 1977.
The centre comprises of the Main Theatre, the Concert Hall, the Golden Arrow Studio Theatre and the Flipside Theatre.
The smallest of these seats 172, while the largest accommodates 674 people.
This beautiful venue also has a full restaurant and bar to utilise before performances, or at interval.
Ticket price range:
- +- R50 - R200 (Depending on production)
Location:
- Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- A variety of types, including family theatre, music concerts, UCT music and drama student shows, plays of various genres, dance, and stand-up comedy.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 685 7880
- [email protected]
Magnet Theatre
Located in Observatory, the Magnet Theatre produces original South African productions that are relevant to today’s social climate.
The versatile performances at this venue are rich in the art of physical theatre, and rely mainly on the body to convey the stories to the audience.
One of the goals of this theatre and of its practitioners is to challenge both audience and performers in thoughts, beliefs and feelings.
Ticket price range:
- +- R60 (Depending on production and age range)
Location:
- Unit 1, The Old Match Factory, corner St Michaels and Lower Main Roads, Observatory, Cape Town
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- Fringe theatre: South African productions that address past, present and future societal issues and experiences; emphasis on physical theatre. There are also shows aimed specifically at children.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 448 3436
- [email protected]
The Rosebank Theatre
This intimate theatre, which seats fifty patrons, opened in July 2013, and has been contributing value to the Cape Town theatre scene ever since.
Offering theatre across a host of genres, the Rosebank Theatre provides a platform to showcase local talent.
Be sure to take enough cash with you to purchase a drink at the bar, as there are no card facilities.
Ticket price range:
- +- R150 (Depending on production)
Location:
- Corner Almas Road and North Road, 16 Alma Road, Rosebank, Cape Town
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- Fringe theatre, classic or reimagined plays of various genres, music shows.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- [email protected]
- +27 (0)72 316 6133
Maynardville Open-Air Theatre
Hailing from the suburb of Wynberg, Maynardville Open-Air Theatre offers a magical theatre experience.
This open-air theatre is nestled in the beautiful Maynardville Park among trees and strings of fairy lights.
A highlight is the annual Shakespeare-in-the-Park production, which has been running for many years, and entices thousands every year.
Ticket price range:
- +- R120 - R180 (Depending on production)
Location:
- Maynardville Park, Piers Rd, Wynberg, Cape Town
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- Classical theatre and dance.
- Most notably, the annual Shakespeare-in-the-Park production, in which Shakespeare plays are performed, often with a twist, or with a particular theme or style.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- +27 (0)83 915 8000
- [email protected]
The Rainbow Puppet Theatre
Located in the nursery school building on the Constantia Waldorf School campus, the Rainbow Puppet Theatre is the perfect experience for children.
Puppet shows are performed every Saturday morning, and a different story is developed every month.
As well as being entertaining in nature, the performances aim to teach important life skills to children.
Ticket price range:
- +- R25 (Depending on the production)
Location:
- Constantia Waldorf School, Spaanschemat River Rd, Sillery, Constantia
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- Fantastic puppet shows for the little ones.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 783 2063
- [email protected]
Northern Suburbs
Milnerton Playhouse
As one of Cape Town’s wonderful community theatres, the Milnerton Playhouse is located behind the Milnerton Library.
Shows of all genres are performed in both the foyer and the theatre by talented members of the Cape Town community.
Whether you enjoy musicals, dramas, farces or dance, this theatre has it all.
Ticket price range:
- +- R80 - R100 (Depending on production)
Location:
- Pienaar Rd, Milnerton, behind Milnerton Library
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- A community theatre that stages everything from farces to revues to dramas.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- +27 (0) 82 267 1061
- [email protected]
Villa Pascal Guest House and Theatre
As a French-owned guesthouse, conference venue and theatre, Villa Pascal is a performance space with a twist!
Situated in Durbanville, Villa Pascal allows you to relax, enjoy excellent food, and to experience performances by local singers and musicians.
Specialising not only in staging great performances, but also in providing superb hospitality, it received the African Corporate Excellence Award for Best Luxury B&B Cape Town 2016.
Ticket price range:
- +- R80 - R150 (Depending on production)
Location:
- 28 Van Der Westhuizen Ave, 28 Van Der Westhuizen Ave, Valmary Park, Cape Town
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- Tribute music performances, local singers and one-person shows.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 975 2566
- +27 (0)82 569 4147
- [email protected]
The Roxy Revue Bar
As one of the performance spaces at Grand West, the Roxy Revue Bar has its own unique flair.
Kitted out with sumptuous decor and a stage, this venue hosts out of this world revues, musicals and other lively acts.
It can also be hired out for meetings or presentations.
Ticket price range:
- +- R150 (Depending on production)
Location:
- 76 Grens St, Ruyterwacht, Cape Town
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- Musicals and revues
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 505 7777
- +27 (0)21 505 7515 / 7568
- [email protected]
The Barnyard Theatre
As one of seven such theatres around South Africa, The Barnyard Theatre in Cape Town can be found in Willowbridge.
Hosting year-round productions for adults and children alike, this venue is a must visit.
Besides putting on musical type shows, this theatre can also be hired for corporate events, and promises a fun-filled time for all!
Ticket price range:
- +- R90- R180 (Depending on production)
Location:
- LG 01, Willowbridge Centre, Carl Cronje Dr, Tygervalley, Cape Town
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- Music shows, musical tribute shows, children’s shows, live sports screenings.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 914 8898
- [email protected]
Cape Peninsula
The Kalk Bay Theatre
Located across the road from the ocean, the Kalk Bay Theatre features an intimate performance space with a whole lot of talent.
With unreserved seating and an in-house restaurant, patrons can enjoy dinner and reserve their seats before the show starts.
An array of local, high-calibre productions are performed here, such as musicals, vaudeville, cabaret and dance.
Ticket price range:
- +- R150 - R165 (Depending on production)
Location:
- 52 Main Rd, Kalk Bay, Cape Town
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- A variety of genres such as comedy, dance, vaudeville, musicals, musical tribute shows, stand-up comedy, improv, and cabaret.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 788 7257
- [email protected]
The Masque Theatre
Staging the productions of four different amateur dramatic societies in Cape Town, the Masque is an integral part of the local theatre scene.
Muizenberg Dramatic Society, The Constantiaberg Theatre Players, Claremont Dramatic Society, and Fish Hoek Dramatic Society take turns performing at this much-loved venue.
This community theatre utilises both its lobby and its auditorium as performance spaces, and puts on a variety of excellent shows.
Attend a production, or join in one of their fun-filled karaoke fundraiser nights.
Ticket price range:
- +- R80 (Depending on production)
Location:
- 37 Main Rd, Muizenberg
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- Community theatre with productions of all sorts; from musicals to dramas to comedies to farces to dance to theatre sports.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 788 1898
- +27 (0)21 788 6999
- [email protected]
Stellenbosch
The Playhouse Theatre
Belonging to the Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society, the Playhouse Theatre is a community theatre located in Somerset West.
Complete with an auditorium, foyer, green room and full catering facilities, the theatre is also totally wheelchair friendly.
The Playhouse Theatre stages all sorts of fantastic productions from musicals to dramas to dance shows.
Ticket price range:
- +- R100 - R150 (Depending on production)
Location:
- Cnr Swalle St & Lourensford Rd, Somerset West, Golden Acre, Cape Town
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- Community theatre that performs productions that fall under a host of genres, such as musicals, musical tribute shows, comedies, dance shows, dramas, stand-up comedy.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- +27 (0)82 678 9077
- [email protected]
Oude Libertas Amphitheatre
From December to March every year, Oude Libertas Amphitheatre’s Summer Season wows patrons with spectacular talent.
Located on the slopes of the majestic Papegaaiberg, this venue provides a picturesque environment in which to be entertained.
Visitors can look forward to a host of different and well-known local performers, and will enjoy the array of music, dance and theatrical narratives offered.
Ticket price range:
- +- R100 - R180 (Depending on production)
Location:
- Corner of Adam Tas & Oude Libertas Roads, Stellenbosch
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- Various genres including dance, classical music, musical tributes, comedies, music groups, recitals, bands and choirs.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 809 7473/7380
- [email protected]
AmaZink Live
This unique and seasonal theatrical experience takes place in the Kayamandi Township near Stellenbosch, between October and March every year.
Guests are treated to a delicious buffet, made up of local cuisine, and have the opportunity to buy AmaZink merchandise.
After this, they are treated to a live production, which always includes dance, music and an original story.
AmaZink is the perfect way to support and enjoy local talent.
Ticket price range:
- +- R150 (Performance); R100 - R130 (Buffet)
Location:
- 118A, Masithandane Street, Khayamandi, Stellenbosch
- Google Maps link here
Type of theatre:
- Dinner theatre. Performances integrate interactive musical theatre, contemporary dance and music.
Link to production schedule here
Contact:
- +27 (0)82 689 6382
- +27 (0)83 758 1457
- +27 (0)21 886 5036
- [email protected]
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