We are one of the oldest amateur dramatic societies in the Western Cape and are proud of our reputation for producing quality shows of all genres.

THE PLAYHOUSE

 

The theatre situated on the corner of Lourensford and Swalle Streets, Somerset West was built by the members of the Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society themselves. The land it was built on belonged to the municipality. Many years later the Society succeeded to buy the land from the municipality for a very meager amount and it now belongs to the members completely.

The theatre was designed by Architect Harry Hargreaves and was built in stages, as money became available. The first stage consisted of a small foyer with the necessary facilities i.e. kitchen and toilets.The foyer led into the auditorium,consisting of 198 comfortable theatre seats and to the left the control box and the right the wings and stage stage area. further back the dressing room with toilets that doubled up as the Green Room. (Backstage crew and actors domain). The growing amount of costumes were also housed there.

The second stage was the mammoth addition of a new foyer, workshop and extension of the wardrobe with an office for the wardrobe Mistress. Most important for patrons was the addition of a new foyer. The foyer consists of a beautifully sprung floor the exact size of the stage as well as an area with full catering facilities from which our teas coffee and hot chocolate are sold as well as areas where sweets and other light refreshments are sold. Approximately 18 years ago a fully Licensed Theatre Bar was added. It also has the necessary toilet facilities. Quite recently a new and very beautiful entrance and booking office was added, as well as a comfortable toilet for disabled patrons. All public facilities are completely wheelchair friendly.

 

THE GREEN ROOM

 

The Green Room has a beautiful sprung floor and we rent it out when available. The mornings and afternoons are presently rented out for Exercise, Dance and Drama classes.   The evenings and weekends for Private functions such as Birthday/Anniversary parties, smallish industrial promotions, conferences and more. The Hiring of this is handled by Penny West, Treasurer, HHDS.

The Auditorium with 198 seats and the stage or Apron as well as the entire complex for large productions is handled by Molly Mohr, Production Director and Vise Chairman HHDS.

Costume hire and general information is handled by Molly Mohr, Wardrobe Mistress HHDS. The costume hire is open on Monday,Wednesday and Friday between 9am and 1pm. If patrons are unable to visit at these times, Molly is available by appointment. These times are subject to Productions in house as well as hires. The entrance and some of the Costume Stock is still part of the dressing room. So far Molly has been able to accommodate all queries.