Natal Playhouse

A 5-venue complex presenting opera, ballet, musicals, Shakespeare, cabaret and experimental theatre in The Opera in Smith Street, Durban. (seating capacity 1225), The Drama (481), The Loft (150), The Studio (196), and The Cellar (120). Inaugurated on 12 April 1986 by State President P. W. Botha, after the conversion, by the owners, NAPAC, of the original Prince's Cinema (opened 26/7/1926 by African Theatres) and the internationally-known Tudor-style Playhouse (opened 7/6/1935 by African Consolidated Theatres, with an "atmospheric" cinema, Palm Court, Tudor Room and Grill Room). (McM) (See: Woolfson, Malcolm. 1986. The Long Road that led towards the Natal Playhouse. Durban: The Natal Performing Arts Council.) DRAMA PLAYHOUSE. In Durban. ??*It opened in the beginning of 1987 with Malcolm Farquhar’s production of James Roose-Evans’ adaptation of Cider with Rosie which they co-presented with PACT. **** (Tucker, 1997) NAPAC, Dbn. Complex will consist of opera house 1300 seats, drama theatre – 5550 seats, with a very adaptable stage area. Will allow for a proscenium arch, thrust stage or theatre in round productions, by adjusting certain seating configurations. Architect Gordon Small of PMB. Two rehearsal rooms size of the main stage, big rehearsal room under the stage for orchestra convertible to an intimate music venue. The Loft will be converted into a large room giving flexible and informal seating. NAPAC’s Loft Drama Comp. will be a permanent comp. of about 12 under an artistic head – touring the province, doing lunch entertainment and schools work.

Return to

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

Return to The ESAT Entries

Return to Main Page