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About us
The Playhouse Theatre, home to Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society, is one of the oldest community theatre organisations within the Western Cape, and arguably, the largest arts platform in the Helderberg basin and surrounding area. We are a non-profit organisation with a passion for giving back to our community and are proud of our reputation for producing quality shows of all genres.
The theatre is situated on the corner of Lourensford and Swalle Streets in Somerset West and was built by the members of the HHDS. It is ran by a dedicated team of volunteers, led by HHDS Chairman, Darryl Spijkers.
Venue hire
The Playhouse has been in the theatre business for more than 70 years; meeting the requirements of both amateur and professional performers.
Our auditorium seats 196 patrons, with the foyer comfortably accommodating 80 (sit down) to 150 (cocktail/standing). Our theatre has full technical support and plenty of backstage space.
We offer a unique opportunity to hire the theatre, which is available as several different options:
● Entire theatre complex
● Apron
● Auditorium
● Foyer
Please note that our facilities are in high demand and often booked up to a year in advance - please enquire within plenty of time.
For more information on our facilities, availability and prices, contact us on secretary@theplayhouse.org.za or 061 029 0096 or by using the form below.
Our Committee of Volunteers
The Playhouse Theatre is run by a small team of dedicated volunteers. The main committee consists of - from top-left - Darryl Spijkers (Chairman), Bryoni Currin (Secretary and Theatre Hires), Noel Pitout (Front of House and Bar Manager), Ann Coetzee (Ticket Office), Gretel Schulze-le Roux (Public Relations), and Luke Botha (Marketing Manager).
Other committee members not shown here include Tim Beavon (Treasurer), Garth Coetzee (Theatre Manager), Gill (Community Liaison), Margot (Community Liaison Assistant) and Tracey (Public Rrelations),
NPO status
The Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society was registered as a Non-Profit Organisation with the Department of Social Development in September 2016. Over the years, we have supported multiple charities and community programmes within the Helderberg Basin. These include and are not limited to Helderberg Hospice, Helderberg Society for the Aged, Somerset West Night Shelter, Helderberg Sunrise Rotary Club, Sunflower Fund, Heartlands, Cotlands, Helderberg Scouts, Hottentots Holland High School, Raithby Shoe Box Project, Sir Lowry's Pass Band and Aanhouwen Work and Care Centre to name a few.
If you would like to be considered as a beneficiary, please contact us on treasurer@theplayhouse.org.za.