Good Hope Theatre

The Good Hope Theatre is a name used for theatrical venues in Cape Town in the late 18th and early 19th century.

Various sources give confusing information in this regard, but broadly it appears that there were two venues by this name.

Also known as the Exhibition Theatre on occasion

In the 19th century two related venues were used in the Good Hope Gardens. The history and relationship is not always clear from the sources

The Goede Hoop Lodge

Also known as the Goede Hoop Masonic Lodge

Built in 1800 and utilized as a popular venue for concerts. Musical concerts were held at the Good Hope Lodge Gardens on Friday evenings during the summer. Later in the 19th century it played an important part in theatrical activities, when the Exhibition Hall evolved from the Lodge and towards end of 19th century built its own Exhibition Hall and Theatre.

The Good Hope Exhibition Hall and Theatre

The Exhibition Hall, Cape Town

Huge barn-like structure made from wood and corrugated iron, constructed in 1875 in the Good Hope Lodge Gardens. Also referred to as the Good Hope Exhibition Hall and Theatre Most performances were Italian operas performed by Signor Carli’s Opera Company, of which Carli was the impressario. Burnt down totally in 1892.

The Exhibition Theatre, Cape Town

(1875**-1892) Full name apparently the Good Hope Exhibition Hall and Theatre Situated in the Good Hope Gardens, it evolved from the Exhibition Hall. Burnt down totally in 1892.

Good Hope Theatre

There seems to be some confusion here, as two venues seem to be indicated.

The Good Hope Exhibition Hall and Theatre or Good Hope Theatre 1875-1892

As indicated, the Good Hope Exhibition Hall and Theatre was at times referred to as The Good Hope Theatre and used for opera and musical presentations to a large extent .

The Good Hope Theatre 18**-1906

This does not appear to be the same building, but is possibly a new structure custom built in the late 1800s and used to a great extent by the Wheeler Company where it experienced great successes with its musical comedies. One of earliest performances was Charley’s Aunt (Thomas) by the Hawtrey Comedy Company under Wheeler management. In 1902 a Gaiety Company used the venue and performed amongst others The Geisha and Kitty Grey. By 1906 the theatre had lost its flair and by the end of that year it closed as a professional venue. Thereafter it was used by Dutch/Afrikaans companies. For example on 4 June 1910 Het Geheim ("The Secret"m by A de Bruin) was presented at the Good Hope Theatre.

Sources

Fletcher, 1994: 117; Laidler, 1926: 89, **??** [Check facts here?*]

Return to

Return to South African Theatre Venues, Companies, Societies, etc

Return to The ESAT Entries

Return to Main Page

The Good Hope Exhibition Hall and Theatre or Good Hope Theatre 1875-1892

As indicated, the Good Hope Exhibition Hall was at times used as a venue for opera and musical presentations and seems to have been referred to variously as the Good Hope Exhibition Hall and Theatre, the Good Hope Theatre, the Good Hope Hall or Goede Hoop Saal.

The Good Hope Theatre late 1800s-1906

Though also referred to as The Good Hope Hall or Goede Hoop Saal, it does not not appear to be the same building, but is possibly a new (or adapted?) structure custom built in the late 1800s and used to a great extent by the Wheeler Company where it experienced great successes with its musical comedies. One of earliest performances was Charley’s Aunt (Thomas) by the Hawtrey Comedy Company under Wheeler Company management.

It was also used by other companies such as Door Yver Bloeit de Kunst (1897) and a Gaiety Company in 1902 (with for instance The Geisha and Kitty Grey).

By 1906 the theatre had however lost its flair and by the end of that year it closed as a professional venue.

Thereafter it was only used by amateur (Dutch/Afrikaans) companies.

For example by Door Yver Bloeit de Kunst in 1910.

Sources

F.C.L. Bosman. 1980. Drama en Toneel in Suid-Afrika, Deel II, 1856-1916. Pretoria: J.L. van Schaik: pp.

Jill Fletcher. 1994. The Story of Theatre in South Africa: A Guide to its History from 1780-1930. Cape Town: Vlaeberg: p. 117

P.W. Laidler. 1926. The Annals of the Cape Stage. Edinburgh: William Bryce: p. 89

Go to ESAT Bibliography

Return to

Return to South African Theatre Venues, Companies, Societies, etc

Return to The ESAT Entries

Return to Main Page