Hard-to-beat Harmony of Dinner and Theatre at On Broadway in Cape Town

On Broadway is one of Cape Town's very few dinner theatres

On Broadway is a small and personal Cape Town theatre where many stories have been told, many songs sung and many careers catapulted into the big time.

The Theatre was originally opened by Russell Shapiro in 1997 in Somerset Road, Greenpoint. It then moved to Shortmarket Street in the CBD in 2005, contributing further vigour to the cultural heartbeat of central Cape Town, being just down the road from Caveau Wine Bar & Heritage Square and just up the road from The New Space Theatre.

On Broadway’s established dinner and theatre concept is a significant departure from the normally much more formal theatergoing philosophy that is inherent to the larger, grander, more traditional Cape Town theatres.

It offers all the pleasures of theatre (we’re talking polished entertainment with great quality lighting and sound) in a plush environment, with the no-compromise aim of giving you a fantastic night out.

And it doesn’t hurt that they serve up not only first-rate theatre productions, but also a variety of fine food. Come in an hour or so before the show to enjoy a meal, and then sit back in your chair with a glass of wine in your hand and allow yourself to be transported to whatever world it is that the performers for the night are creating.

At On Broadway theatre in Cape Town the focus is on creating a personal atmosphere where you feel like a guest in someone’s home, not just an anonymous audience member occupying chair 14 in row 8.

It’s precisely this approach that sees people coming back here week after week, requesting particular waitrons and tables.

So what kind of productions can you expect to witness at On Broadway? A significant part of the reason for On Broadway’s popularity is the way they mix up the performances from week to week and don’t restrict themselves to certain genres.

Cabaret, comedy, modern dance and musical concerts and tributes are all in the mix. Famous South African Artists like Pieter-Dirk Uys, Elzabe Zietsman, Cokey Falkow, Kurt Schoonraad, Stuart Taylor, Zolani Mahola, Dowwe Dolla, Amanda Strydom, Alistair Izobell, Irit Noble, Stella Magaba and Amanda Tiffin have all graced On Broadway’s stage on many occasions.

It’s not uncommon for shows at On Broadway to gain international recognition. Three Tons of Fun is one such example, as are the performances of comedian Marc Lottering, who is just one of many South African performers to have started their career at On Broadway.

On Broadway has been described as being a “relaxed and attitude-free zone, which has not succumbed to the notorious Cape Town trait of fickle revelers constantly seeking that new and in place to be”.

In short, On Broadway succeeds in taking the joys of theatre and the pleasures of good food and uniting them into a relaxed and wholly satisfying evening of unpretentious Cape Town entertainment.

On Broadway is airconditioned has padded seats, a capacity of 150, is wheelchair friendly and has a paraplegic toilet and lift.

Find out about the latest theatre at On Broadway in our Cape Town events section.

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