Maynardville Open Air theatre
Captivating Audiences Since 1956
Maynardville Open Air Theatre is a cherished gem nestled within the lush surroundings of Maynardville Park in Wynberg, Cape Town. As one of the most beloved outdoor theatre venues in South Africa, our enchanting wooded park and unique 600-seater theatre setting have captivated audiences for decades. Step into a world where nature and art intertwine, creating an unforgettable experience under the open sky.
“Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
Our Heritage
Honouring the Visionaries
In the 1950s, Dulcie Howes, Cecilia Sonnenberg, and Rene Ahrenson, well-known South African performers, envisioned Maynardville Park as an ideal open-air theatre for an annual Shakespeare festival. Through their tenacity and determination, they convinced the city to create a permanent stage and auditorium, laying the foundation for what would become a beloved tradition.
Maynardville’s inaugural production in 1956 of “The Taming of the Shrew” marked the beginning of a legacy. Despite initial cold feet, the arrival of renowned actor and director Leslie French brought warmth and excitement. Packed houses and a month-long run affirmed Maynardville as a premier destination for Shakespeare in the Park.
Experience the Magic
South Africa’s Premier Outdoor Theatre
Discover the allure of Cape Town’s outdoor theatre scene at Maynardville Open Air Theatre. With its picturesque greenery and captivating ambiance, our theatre offers a truly immersive experience. From the moment you step foot into our wooded park, you’ll feel the anticipation and excitement in the air. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of outdoor performances and create lasting memories.
“The stage is not merely the meeting place of all the arts but is also the return of art to life.”
Reliving Unforgettable Moments
Past Shakespeare Productions
Relive the magic of past Shakespeare productions that have graced Maynardville’s stage throughout the years. Journey through time and witness the exceptional performances that have enthralled audiences. Each production has breathed life into Shakespeare’s timeless works, transporting viewers to worlds of love, tragedy, and comedy.
Maynardville’s inaugural production in 1956 of “The Taming of the Shrew” marked the beginning of a legacy. Despite initial cold feet, the arrival of renowned actor and director Leslie French brought warmth and excitement. Packed houses and a month-long run affirmed Maynardville as a premier destination for Shakespeare in the Park.
Romeo and Juliet
Directed by Geoff Hyland
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Directed by Geoff Hyland
No Production (Covid-19)
No Production (Covid-19)
Hamlet
Directed by Janni Young
Richard III
Directed by Geoff Hyland
Taming of the Shrew
Directed by Tara Nottcutt
Twelfth Night
Othello
Directed by Fred Abrahamse
Othello
Directed by Fred Abrahamse
Richard III
Directed by Lara Bye
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Directed by Fred Abrahamse
Cardenio
Directed by Roy Sargeant
Comedy of Errors
Directed by Matthew Wild
The Taming of the Shrew
Directed by Roy Sargeant
Anthony and Cleopatra
Directed by Marthinus Basson
As You Like It
Directed by Geoff Hyland
The Merchant of Venice
Directed by Roy Sargeant
Romeo & Juliet
Directed by Fred Abrahamse
Twelfth Night
Directed by Geoff Hyland
Much Ado About Nothing
Directed by Fred Abrahamse
Macbeth
Directed by Geoff Hyland
Two Gentlemen of Verona
Directed by Marthinus Basson
A Midsummer Nights Dream
Directed by Fred Abrahamse
Othello
Directed by Keith Grenville
View Past Productions (1956 - 2000)
YEAR | PRODUCTION | DIRECTOR |
2000 | Romeo & Juliet | Clare Stopford |
1999 | As You Like It | Keith Grenville |
1998 | Twelfth Night | Clare Stopford |
1997 | A Winter’s Tale | Mark Graham |
1996 | The Taming of the Shrew | Janice Honeyman |
1995 | A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Patrick Sandford |
1994 | The Tempest | Roy Sargeant |
1993 | Two Gentlemen of Verona | Ralph Lawson |
1992 | The Merchant of Venice | Janice Honeyman |
1991 | Loves Labour’s Lost | Leslie French |
1990 | Much Ado About Nothing | Ralph Lawson |
1989 | Twelfth Night | Keith Grenville |
1988 | Romeo & Juliet | Ken Leach |
1987 | Measure for Measure | Francois Swart |
1987 | Comedy of Errors | Ken Leach |
1985 | As You like it | John Hussey |
1984 | The Taming of the Shrew | John Hussey |
1983 | The Tempest | Ken Leach |
1982 | Othello | Roy Sargeant |
1981 | A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Phillip Grout |
1980 | Romeo and Juliet | Leslie French & Roy Sargeant |
1979 | The Merchant of Venice | Michael Atkinson |
1977/78 | Twelfth Night | Roy Sargeant |
1977 | Much Ado About Nothing | Roy Sargeant |
1976 | Julius Caesar | Leonard Schach |
1975 | Hamlet | Leslie French |
1974 | Umabatha (by Welcome Msomi) | Elizabeth Sneddon |
1973 | The Tempest | Leslie French |
1972 | Anthony & Cleopatra | Alexander Dore |
1971 | The Winter’s Tale | Leslie French |
1970 | Othello | Leonard Schach |
1969 | The Merry Wives of Windsor | Leslie French |
1968 | Richard III | Leonard Schach |
1967 | Macbeth | Leslie French |
1966 | King Lear | Alexander Dore |
1965 | The Taming of the Shrew | Leslie French |
1964 | A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Leslie French |
1964 | Hamlet | Leslie French |
1963 | The Merchant of Venice | Leslie French |
1962 | Much Ado About Nothing | Leslie French |
1961 | Twelfth Night | Leslie French |
1960 | The Tempest | Andre van Gyseghem |
1959 | The Winter’s Tale | Leslie French |
1958 | As You Like It | Leslie French |
1957 | A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Leslie French |
1956 | The Taming of the Shrew | Leslie French |