Difference between revisions of "The Alexander Playhouse"
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[[The Playhouse]] was originally built as a rehearsal venue for the [[Dramatic Society of East London]] (DRAMSOC) in 1963, eleven years after DRAMSOC was founded. It was designed by architect Mr [[Bennie Shapiro]]. It was originally named The Playhouse, but was later re-named The Alexander Playhouse in (?) after the Society's long-time chair and founding member, [[Lynette Alexander]]. | [[The Playhouse]] was originally built as a rehearsal venue for the [[Dramatic Society of East London]] (DRAMSOC) in 1963, eleven years after DRAMSOC was founded. It was designed by architect Mr [[Bennie Shapiro]]. It was originally named The Playhouse, but was later re-named The Alexander Playhouse in (?) after the Society's long-time chair and founding member, [[Lynette Alexander]]. | ||
| − | Aside from DRAMSOC utilizing the venue, the | + | Aside from DRAMSOC utilizing the venue, the venue was used for various workshops and the [[Junior Dramatic Society]] used to meet there once every fortnight. Initially DRAMSOC rented the land on a 20-year-lease but later raised sufficient funds to buy it outright. |
During the period that the [[Guild Theatre]] was closed for refurbishments, the theatre was used as the main venue in East London to keep the theatre vibe alive. It was at this point that the dinner/theatre concept was introduced by [[Lynette Alexander]] and her daughter [[Michele Bandenburger]]. | During the period that the [[Guild Theatre]] was closed for refurbishments, the theatre was used as the main venue in East London to keep the theatre vibe alive. It was at this point that the dinner/theatre concept was introduced by [[Lynette Alexander]] and her daughter [[Michele Bandenburger]]. | ||
Revision as of 17:33, 29 July 2023
The Alexander Playhouse is a theatre in East London.
Founding, function and history
The Playhouse was originally built as a rehearsal venue for the Dramatic Society of East London (DRAMSOC) in 1963, eleven years after DRAMSOC was founded. It was designed by architect Mr Bennie Shapiro. It was originally named The Playhouse, but was later re-named The Alexander Playhouse in (?) after the Society's long-time chair and founding member, Lynette Alexander.
Aside from DRAMSOC utilizing the venue, the venue was used for various workshops and the Junior Dramatic Society used to meet there once every fortnight. Initially DRAMSOC rented the land on a 20-year-lease but later raised sufficient funds to buy it outright.
During the period that the Guild Theatre was closed for refurbishments, the theatre was used as the main venue in East London to keep the theatre vibe alive. It was at this point that the dinner/theatre concept was introduced by Lynette Alexander and her daughter Michele Bandenburger.
The revenue that was much needed for DRAMSOC was provided by the Showstoppers productions – the venue was then able to improve on many things including an upgrade to the sound system, adding air conditioning, a dressing room, bathroom and increasing the size of the stage.
It was for the production of Hairspray in December 2011 DRAMSOC designed and created their own little orchestra pit, utilizing the area under the stage. In December 2012 the Alexander Playhouse celebrated DRAMSOC’s 60th anniversary with a Showstoppers Diamond Jubilee, directed by Michele Brandenburger.
Productions
Aside from the popular Showstoppers productions, the playhouse has staged many different types of shows including the major musicals Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Grease and Hairspray, Valentine cabarets, full scale drama and comedy productions, Shakespeare, candlelight and staged play readings.
Out of town performers were brought in around this time and some of the first shows staged at the playhouse were Circle of Love, featuring Judy Page and her daughter Kim Callie and Good Vibrations, directed by Themi Venturas and starring Lisa Bobbert and Aaron McIlroy. Other early cabaret artists include Kevin Feather, Elzabe Zietsman and Casper de Vries.
Sources
'A history of East London’s theatres', ShowMe (online), 1 August 2019 (https://showme.co.za/east-london/events-entertainment/east-londons-theatres-and-their-history/)
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