Pretoria is home to some of the best theatres in South Africa. Visit theatres rich in culture and history in celebration of the performing arts. There is even one theatre that is rumoured to be haunted! Below we’ve listed 12 awesome theatres in Pretoria.
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Pretoria Central
Pretoria Central houses 3 of Pretoria’s theatres; The iconic South African State Theatre, the musically inclined Brooklyn Theatre and the Unisa Little Theatre. You’re sure to find a show worth watching at these three popular theatres.
The South African State Theatre
The South African State Theatre opened its doors in May 1981, a milestone in South African theatre. Nowadays, it is a mecca for the arts with music, dance, poetry, plays, concert and festival performances. It has been host to shows like Phantom of the Opera, Cats, The Sound of Music and Sarafina.
The South African State Theatre facilitates South Africa’s budding art and entertainment sector. This iconic theatre plays a vital role in the cultural life of South Africa by seeking to present the best this country has to offer in terms of performing arts.
The theatre provides development opportunities for emerging artists to learn and perform.
- Ticket price range:
- +- R80 - R350 (Depends on the show)
- Where:
- 320 Pretorius St, Pretoria Central
- Google Maps pin
- Type of theatre: Everything from comedy, jazz, musicals, opera, kids theatre and poetry.
- Link to production schedule here
- Contact:
- 012 392 3931 or 012 392 4000
- [email protected]
Brooklyn Theatre
The Brooklyn Theatre’s vision is to promote classical music in order to ensure there is ongoing appreciation for it in every generation.
The Brooklyn Theatre, previously known as Salon Music, has played host to many classical concerts and musicians. Since opening in 1994, they have provided an income for classical musicians and recorded over 30 CDs.
The theatre’s regular fine art exhibitions are popular and held in the theatre foyer.
- Ticket price range:
- +- R90 - R260 (Depends on the show)
- Where:
- Shop 21, Greenlyn, Thomas Edison St, Menlo Park
- Google Maps pin
- Type of theatre: Classical music and drama theatre
- Link to production schedule here
- Contact:
- 012 460 6033
- [email protected]
Unisa Little Theatre
The Unisa Little Theatre is a classical drama theatre nestled in the heart of Pretoria’s CBD. Forming part of the University of South Africa (UNISA), the theatre was declared a Provincial Heritage Site in 2004.
The theatre, designed by renowned South African architect Norman Eaton, is fully equipped to facilitate all fields of performing arts and is an established dance theatre. The Little Theatre welcomes the public and offers affordable hiring options.
- Ticket price range:
- Depends on the show
- Where:
- 287 Nana Sita St, Pretoria Central
- Google Maps pin
- Type of theatre: Classic drama, music and corporate events
- Link to production schedule here
- Contact:
- 012 322 7676
- [email protected]
Pretoria East
Pretoria East has a rich array of theatres to choose from including the supposedly haunted Breytenbach Theatre, the Atterbury Theatre, UP Theatres, Encore Complex, Die Blou Hond and the newly revamped Rockwood Theatre.
Breytenbach Theatre
The Breytenbach Theatre aims to provide students with practical experience in their field of study, whether it be drama, dance, music, vocal art or musical theatre.
The theatre building previously housed a hospital, and it is rumoured that the building is still haunted by those who died there. It became a theatre in 1955 with the first production being staged in 1958. It was named in honour of Dr PPB Breytenbach, the chairman of the National Theatre Organisation.
Famous artists to grace its stage have included Sandra Prinsloo, Marius Weyers and Cobus Rossouw.
- Ticket price range:
- +- R30 - R100 (Depends on the show)
- Where:
- 137 Gerhard Moerdyk Street, Sunnyside
- Google Maps pin
- Type of theatre: Live music, comedy, drama shows and poetry
- Link to production schedule here
- Contact:
- 012 382 2630
- [email protected]
Atterbury Theatre
Atterbury Theatre is a comfortable and intimate concert hall which is ‘tuned’ in to the acoustical needs and functionality of sounds systems used in modern shows and conferences.
The sloping shape of the seating structure ensures you’ll never have heads blocking your view of the stage. The Atterbury Theatre has been host to great local artists like The Parlotones, Karen Zoid and Blomtrein.
- Ticket price range:
- +- R100 - R250 (Depends on the show)
- Where:
- 4 Daventry St, Lynnwood Manor
- Google Maps pin
- Type of theatre: Plays and music
- Link to production schedule here
- Contact:
- 012 471 1700
- [email protected]
UP Theatres
The University of Pretoria has some of the finest performing arts facilities which include theatres and concert halls. The theatres include Rautenbach and Musaion Concert Halls, Aula, Masker and Lier Theatres.
UP Arts oversees the efficient and effective management and letting of these venues for productions, concerts and exhibitions by university departments and external users.
- Ticket price range:
- Depends on the show
- Where:
- Ring Rd, Hillcrest
- Google Maps pin
- Type of theatre: Music, plays and venue hire
- Link to production schedule here
- Contact:
- 012 420 2033
- [email protected]
Encore Complex
Encore Complex is a corporate and performing arts venue. The Encore Theatre opened its doors in 2009. This 227-seat theatre pays homage to a bygone era with the original chairs from the Old Capital Bioscope.
Enjoy a production experience filled with modern sound and lighting, mixed with nostalgia at this 100% wheelchair friendly theatre.
- Ticket price range:
- Depends on the show
- Where:
- 1217 Stanza Bopape St, Hatfield
- Google Maps pin
- Type of theatre: plays and music
- Link to production schedule here
- Contact:
- 012 430 2705
- [email protected]
Die Blou Hond at Casa Toscana Lodge
Die Blou Hond is an intimate restaurant theatre situated in Casa Toscana Lodge. Invite friends to join you in enjoying a yummy buffet dinner and the splendid entertainment on offer.
Doors open at 18:30, delicious dinner and dessert platters, as well as filter coffee will be available from 18:30 until 19:30. The main show starts at 20:30.
- Ticket price range:
- Dinner and Show R330
- Show only R230
- Where:
- 5 Darlington Rd, Lynnwood Manor
- Google Maps pin
- Type of theatre: Live music theatre restaurant
- Link to production schedule here
- Contact:
- 012 348 8820
- [email protected]
Rockwood Theatre
The Barnyard Theatre Parkview has changed its named to Rockwood Theatre and has begun producing its own shows. Rockwood Theatre has remained in their existing premises in the Parkview Shopping Centre.
The theatre’s new shows will be directed and produced by the seasoned performing professional Andrew Webster who will bring 25 years of experience in musical theatre, film and TV to Rockwood.
Rockwood Theatre has been given a new look and even has a VIP section. It is divided into two theatres - the main theatre and a smaller theatre, Musiekskuur, located upstairs. The main theatre seats 570 and Musiekskuur seats 132.
- Ticket price range:
- Depends on the show
- Where:
- Rockwood Theatre, Shop F92, Park View Shopping Centre, cnr Garsfontein & Netcare Street, Woodhill
- Google Maps pin
- Type of theatre: Live music and plays
- Link to production schedule here
- Contact:
- 012 368 1555
- [email protected]
Centurion
Centurion is home to the Centurion Teater, an intimate theatre with a great selection of shows and events. Don’t be fooled by its size though, it packs a punch!
Centurion Teater
The Centurion Teater is an intimate little theatre featuring great shows. There is seating in the main area as well as a small balcony. The small size of the theatre puts you closer to stage and gives the venue an intimate feel.
No food or drink is allowed into the theatre so we suggest you make plans to eat before or after the show.
- Ticket price range:
- +- R120 - R170 (Depends on the show)
- Where:
- 123 Amkor Rd, Centurion
- Google Maps pin
- Type of theatre: Music, events and festivals
- Link to production schedule here
- Contact:
- 012 664 8710
- [email protected]
Pretoria North East
Pretoria North East has 2 fabulous theatres in the area; the Pierneef Teater and the spacious and centrally located Heartfelt Arena. If you’re looking for a school holidays activity with the kids, have a look at Pierneef Teater’s programme. If you’re searching for a venue for an event or exhibition, Heartfelt Arena has got you covered.
Pierneef Teater
Pierneef Teater is situated on the grounds of Hendrik Verwoerd High School. The theatre offers a range of various productions from music, concerts and drama performances.
This theatre is the ideal place to take your children during the school holidays to enjoy a show.
- Ticket price range:
- +- R70 - R130 (Depends on the show)
- Where:
- Mogg Ave, Deerness
- Google Maps pin
- Type of theatre: Music, concerts and plays
- Link to production schedule here
- Contact:
- 012 329 0709
- [email protected]
Heartfelt Arena and Theatre
The Heartfelt Arena is an event venue housing a 4000 seater main arena and a 550 seater theatre. This venue is popular for exhibitions, music concerts, TV and commercial production and church or gospel events.
This spacious venue is centrally located with easy access from the N1 and R21. The venue offers sound and lighting services, versatile spaces, ample parking and catering options customised to your needs.
- Ticket price range:
- Depends on the show
- Where:
- 1000 Voortrekker Rd, Thaba Tshwane
- Google Maps pin
- Type of theatre: Events venue and theatre
- Link to production schedule here
- Contact:
- 012 651 2251
- [email protected]
Now that you know all about the fantastic theatrical venues Pretoria has to offer, we’re sure you’ll soon find yourself on an outing to one of Pretoria’s much-loved theatres to enjoy a spectacular performance. It’s sure to be an outing to remember!
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