What’s happening at the Playhouse Theatre?
Have you been to the Playhouse recently? The beloved theatre on Lourensford Road is one of our village community hubs that locals keep coming back to – whether it’s for a good laugh, a bit of nostalgia, or just a night out that feels a little different.
A Bit of History
It’s actually been around in some form for over 100 years, starting with local productions back in the early 1900s. The theatre building we know today only opened in 1973 (with earlier performances taking place in the Somerset West Courthouse and Town Hall), and what’s quite special is that it’s always been a real community effort – built, run and supported by locals who love the arts.
And that’s still very much the case. It’s a non-profit, mostly run by volunteers, and it shows – in the best way. There’s a real sense that people care about the space and what happens there.
What’s Happening in 2026
If you’ve been recently, you’ll know it’s been a busy start to the year. Shows like The Magical Seed, Calendar Girls and Alice in Wonderland have all been on, bringing a mix of laughter, creativity and some really lovely local talent to the stage. The Helderberg Academy of Theatre has also been doing some incredible work there, especially with the younger performers.
There’s plenty more coming up, too. Absurd Person Singular is on in April, The Jungle Book is back mid-year (always a hit with families), a rendition of what we know as Mamma Mia called The Party! is coming in September, and there’s even a full-on pantomime (Hercules) planned for December, which should be a lot of fun.
Why It Matters
At the end of the day, it’s more than just a theatre. It’s a place where people come together – to watch, to perform, to support, and just to be part of something.
If you haven’t been in a while, it’s definitely time to pop in again!
