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festival rewind

Celebrating History and Heritage at the Maynardville Open Air Theatre

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.”

William Shakespeare

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.”

Oscar Wilde

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.

01
Jan
2024

Romeo and Juliet

Directed by Geoff Hyland
01
Jan
2023

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Directed by Geoff Hyland
01
Jan
2022

No Production (Covid-19)

01
Jan
2021

No Production (Covid-19)

01
Jan
2020

Hamlet

Directed by Janni Young
01
Jan
2019

Richard III

Directed by Geoff Hyland
01
Jan
2018

Taming of the Shrew

Directed by Tara Nottcutt
01
Jan
2017

Twelfth Night

01
Jan
2016

Othello

Directed by Fred Abrahamse
01
Jan
2015

Othello

Directed by Fred Abrahamse
01
Jan
2014

Richard III

Directed by Lara Bye
01
Jan
2013

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Directed by Fred Abrahamse
01
Jan
2013

Cardenio

Directed by Roy Sargeant
01
Jan
2012

Comedy of Errors

Directed by Matthew Wild
01
Jan
2011

The Taming of the Shrew

Directed by Roy Sargeant
01
Jan
2010

Anthony and Cleopatra

Directed by Marthinus Basson
01
Jan
2009

As You Like It

Directed by Geoff Hyland
01
Jan
2008

The Merchant of Venice

Directed by Roy Sargeant
01
Jan
2007

Romeo & Juliet

Directed by Fred Abrahamse
01
Jan
2006

Twelfth Night

Directed by Geoff Hyland
01
Jan
2005

Much Ado About Nothing

Directed by Fred Abrahamse
01
Jan
2004

Macbeth

Directed by Geoff Hyland
01
Jan
2003

Two Gentlemen of Verona

Directed by Marthinus Basson
01
Jan
2002

A Midsummer Nights Dream

Directed by Fred Abrahamse
01
Jan
2001

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