Exhibition Theatre

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, this 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.

Building originally intended for concert hall, but 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?*]

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