The Playhouse in Durban (also known as the Playhouse Theatre or part of the Playhouse Company complex) is a historic performing arts centre on Anton Lembede Street (formerly Smith Street) in central Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Early History (Late 19th to Early 20th Century)
- The site has theatrical roots dating back to the late 19th century. One account notes a structure built around 1884 by Dr. Edwin Chellis, initially known as Meionaon Hall, which featured a skating rink at its opening.
- The building that became the Playhouse started as a picture palace (cinema) in 1896.
The Iconic Tudor-Style Playhouse (1935–1980s)
- In 1935, the theatre was substantially rebuilt in a distinctive Tudor Revival exterior with Atmospheric interior style (featuring a starry dome, cloud machine, crenellated walls resembling a Castilian castle courtyard, and other immersive effects).
- It officially reopened on 7 June 1935, designed by architect Percy Rogers Cooke (or P. Rogers-Cooke), and was operated by African Consolidated Theatres (or African Theatres).
- It included amenities like a Palm Court, Tudor Room, and Grill Room. The atmospheric cinema design was one of only a few built in South Africa at the time.
- It initially served as a live theatre and later showed films (“bioscope”). Patrons from the era recall its glamorous appeal, with people dressing up for visits.
Decline and Transition (1970s–1980s)
- The theatre ceased operating primarily as a cinema around 1971 and was later used as a warehouse (e.g., for Welch’s Discount Store).
- It closed as a cinema in the 1970s under the Kinekor Organisation.
Rebirth as a Multi-Venue Arts Complex (1980s Onward)
- In the early 1980s, the Natal Performing Arts Council (NAPAC) acquired the Playhouse and the adjacent former Prince’s Cinema (opened in 1926, later known as the Colosseum Theatre).
- The buildings underwent major restoration and conversion into a modern five-venue arts complex, preserving much of the original Tudor and atmospheric features. Architect Gordon Small led the project.
- It was officially opened on 12 April 1986 by State President P.W. Botha as the Natal Playhouse.
- Renamed simply The Playhouse around 1995, it became the home of the Playhouse Company, a professional theatre company focused on opera, ballet, musicals, drama, cabaret, experimental work, and community engagement.
Current Venues and Role
The complex includes:
- Opera Theatre (main venue, ~1,225 seats) — the large atmospheric hall.
- Drama Theatre (~474–481 seats).
- Smaller spaces like the Loft, Studio, and Cellar (for more intimate performances, rehearsals, or events).
Today, it serves as a key cultural hub for eThekwini (Durban) and KwaZulu-Natal, hosting a wide range of professional and community productions. It remains one of Durban’s oldest and most iconic buildings, blending preserved heritage architecture with vibrant performing arts.
