Commercial Hall

There were two buildings used for, amongst other purposes, theatrical productions and which were known as the Commercial Hall.

The Commercial Hall, Grahamstown

Used by the Graham's Town Theatrical Amateur Company as a base between 1837 – 1848. Frederick Timpson l'Ons, a well-known artist, designed and painted scenery for the company's productions in the venue. Kaatjie Kekkelbek (Bain and Rex) was first presented there in 1838.

The Commercial Hall, Port Elizabeth

In July 1843, the foundation stone for the Commercial Hall in Port Elizabeth was designed by CC Mitchell, laid on land in Main Street which was granted by Sir George Napier. The first public theatrical performances were presented by the Port Elizabeth Dramatic Society in the hall. The building, which served all public purposes until the Court House burnt down in 1856, was demolished in order to build the Main Library, circa 1898.

Source

Port Elizabeth, A social chronicle until 1945. By Margaret Harradine.

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

Return to The ESAT Entries

Return to Main Page