The Masque theatre will celebrate its 65th birthday with a variety show on Saturday October 12, at 8pm.

The programme features everything from dance and comedy to dramatic performances with a line-up that includes Ruskin Road, Rob Coutts Improv Troupe, Interlace Live and Barres Dance School.

Patrons can get dressed up in the festive event colour schemes of black, red, white and gold, then join the team and cast for complimentary snacks and drinks in the foyer after the show.

“As we commemorate The Masque’s historic journey, we invite everyone to be part of this moment, in a celebration of the diverse artistic contributions that have defined The Masque over the years,” says Daniel Enticott, chairperson of The Masque.

“Volunteers form the backbone of our operation, from the performers on stage, to our technical team and front of house and bar staff. We are equally proud to be a go-to destination of choice for the many professional artists and organisations that hire our venue. We honour them all with our 65th birthday bash gala, which also marks the date of our reopening in 1999 following the fire that gutted the venue.”

“The gala is an opportunity to invest in the future of The Masque, enabling us to continue our service to the community, promoting artistic engagement and development and ensuring we remain a beacon of cultural enrichment for years to come. Support our fundraising efforts by buying a ticket and/or making a donation to help us continue our legacy,” says Enticott.

The Masque is an iconic cornerstone of Cape Town’s cultural landscape, celebrating over six decades of fostering creativity, inclusivity and community spirit. The venue opened its doors in 1959, and was forced to close in 1997 following a devastating fire. It reopened in 1999, largely thanks to the generosity of the late Joan St Leger-Lindbergh, enabling it to continue with the vision of founder Bertie Stern, whose objective was to encourage voluntary participation in all forms of theatre by all people.

Tickets to the variety show cost R250 or R200 for members. No under 13s allowed. Book through Quicket or The Masque Box Office, which is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am and 2pm.

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Masque theatre marks 65th birthday with variety show

Public invited to an exhibition on the history of the Helderberg Basin