National Gems
The New Space Theatre, heralded as a National Gem and famous for being the first fringe theatre in the country, is re-emerging onto the Cape Town theatre scene. Originally called The Space, it was opened on Bloem Street in 1972 by Brian Astbury a theatre photographer and his wife Yvonne Bryceland. In 1976 it was relocated to where it is now on 44 Long Street and defiantly established as a non-racial venue in a racially segregated country.
Having staged around 300 shows since then The Space faded away as the larger theatres took over. Recently however, the need became apparent for Independent theatres in Cape Town with the capacity to stage mid-sized productions in a cost effective way, allowing The Space to make a welcome comeback.
Their opening show, The Golden Crooners is a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, Matt Monro, Nat “King” Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and other singers which followed this particular type of singing style. The production which is set in the living room of ordinary people on the Cape Flats comes alive and transforms itself into a spectacular cabaret show which is sure to lift your spirits and leave you with music on your mind for the rest of the evening.
Actors and writers which include Athol Fugard, Pieter Dirk Uys, David Kramer, Barney Simon, Winston Ntshona, John Kani, Bill Flynn and Richard E Grant, to name but a few, have all called The Space Theatre home at some stage in their careers – I think it’s about time I explore this venue and what it has to offer, come and join me if you like…
By Candice
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