by Pinelands Players | Oct 29, 2025 | News
by Pinelands Players | Dec 31, 2024 | News
Supper Theatre Tradition Revived
After the big, dazzling run of Legally Blonde earlier in 2024, Pinelands Players wanted to do something a bit more relaxed while keeping the energy alive. Game of Names Season 2 was the perfect choice—bringing our tradition of supper theatre to life with great entertainment, a laid-back meal, drinks, and fun among friends.
From Concept to Curtain
First staged in 2017 by Kyla Thorburn and Barend van der Westhuizen (the creative team behind Legally Blonde), Game of Names is a unique blend of musical revue and quiz show. The show proved such a crowd-pleaser that we brought it back this year for an exciting second season! This time, we found a wonderful new venue in Wynberg—Novalis Ubuntu Institute—which gave us everything from a welcoming stage to comfy seating and plenty of space for lights and laughter.
A Cast Full of Talent
This season’s cast brought together both new faces and returning friends, adding even more enjoyment on stage and backstage. With our classic game show wheel in action and the audience selecting songs at random, each night became a one-of-a-kind experience full of surprises. Table quizzes and rounds of bingo, complete with fun prizes, were added into the mix for extra excitement.
Movie and Series Hits Galore
The theme this year was music from movies, series, and sitcoms. Audiences cheered on performances of familiar favourites like “Eye of the Tiger,” “My Heart Will Go On,” “Shallow” and so many more. Our lively MC Nick Plummer, assisted by his fantastic team, kept the pace up and brought the whole show together.
Game of Names Season 2: Looking Back, Moving Forward
While every show brings its own challenges, the sense of fun and community shone through. Cast members and audiences alike thoroughly enjoyed themselves—which is what community theatre is all about. And the best part? We’re already looking forward to bringing Game of Names back for a third season!
by Pinelands Players | Nov 30, 2024 | Newsletters
Pinelands Players‘ Season Finale: Celebrating Music, Memories & New Beginnings. AdLib – November 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year filled with artistic triumphs while looking ahead to our exciting festive finale.
Subway Sessions Encore
Our October musical showcase built on June’s success with:
🎹 Two nights of performances (overcoming alarm-related tech hiccups with good humour)
🎤 Stellar acts including Terry Lloyd-Roberts, Melissa Sanderson, and fan-favorites Macaw
👏 Special thanks to Joy Millar for curating this celebration of Cape Town’s musical talent
Game of Names: Season 2 (29 Nov – 8 Dec)
The wait is nearly over for this revival of our hit musical game show!
🔀 40+ songs prepped across categories (only 22 performed each night by chance!)
🎡 Interactive gameplay featuring:
In Loving Memory
We honour two beloved members:
🕯️ David Millar – The society’s legendary chef/entertainer remembered for his papier-mâché dragon and cricket match breakfasts
🕯️ Teddy Davies – Our cherished choreographer whose “slap thighs, clap hands” signature move lives on
Community Theatre Spotlight
Support these local productions:
🎭 mAnJE! MaNJe @ Magnet Theatre (6-16 Nov) – Mythic Cretan tales reimagined
🧶 Red Riding Hood @ Masque Theatre (13 Dec-12 Jan) – A musical twist on the classic
Save the Date!
14 December – Our magical Christmas gathering at the Clubhouse
“Theatre is the art of making memories tangible”
Download full AdLib – November 2024 newsletter for audition notices and tribute pieces
by Pinelands Players | Aug 29, 2024 | Newsletters
Pinelands Players‘ Mid-Year Update AdLib – August 2024: Exciting Developments & Upcoming Productions
As winter wraps Cape Town in its chilly embrace, we’ve been busy behind the scenes preparing an exciting lineup of theatrical delights to warm your spirits!
Clubhouse Transformation
Our beloved clubhouse has undergone a major revival since Legally Blonde‘s triumphant run. After successfully:
✓ Clearing Artscape Theatre in record time during February’s strike
✓ Sorting through mountains of props and set pieces
✓ Storing key items off-site through Rob’s logistical genius
We’re now turning our attention to the attic – watch this space!
Subway Sessions Success
The 15th June saw our first musical soirée of 2024, featuring:
🎶 Three talented acts in an intimate setting
🍲 Hearty food and warm camaraderie
🎤 Joy Millar’s brilliant musical curation
Stay tuned for our next session – perfect for new performers!
Future Productions Pipeline
Our open call yielded six thrilling proposals, now being carefully evaluated based on:
Community Theatre Highlights
Support our fellow societies:
🎭 Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors @ Milnerton (16th Aug-8th Sep)
🎹 The Piano’s Got Soul @ Milnerton (27th Sep)
🎻 Yeomen @ G&S Cape Town (Romantic opera)
🕵️ Murder on the Nile @ Masque Theatre (Agatha Christie classic)
Save the Date!
❄️ 31st August: Game of Names auditions
🎄 14th December: Our magical Christmas gathering
“Theatre is the art of looking at ourselves” – Augusto Boal
Download full AdLib – August 2024 newsletter for audition details and behind-the-scenes photos.
by Pinelands Players | May 31, 2024 | Newsletters
Discover Pinelands Players‘ AdLib – May 2024 Newsletter: A New Chapter for Cape Town’s Favourite Theatre Society
As your newly elected Committee, we’re thrilled to share our first newsletter of 2024, celebrating our vibrant community theatre family and looking ahead to an exciting future.
AGM 2023 Highlights
At our 3rd March AGM, we bid farewell to three dedicated Committee members – Laura Bosman, Tina Gough and Shaun Browne – whose contributions shaped our society. We welcomed fresh talent while retaining experienced leaders in new roles:
Celebrating Our Legacy
We’re still buzzing from Legally Blonde: The Musical‘s phenomenal success – a tough act to follow! Special thanks to director Kyla Thorburn and musical director Barend van der Westhuizen for their visionary work that’s left Cape Town talking.
Farewell to a Theatre Legend
We celebrated Richard Whittaker’s contributions at an emotional farewell as he relocates to Mossel Bay. From building Hairspray‘s 2019 set to Legally Blonde‘s iconic revolving stage, Richard’s craftsmanship has enriched Cape Town’s theatre scene.
What’s Next?
Our 3-year vision includes:
🎭 *2024*: Strengthening our community through Subway Sessions, play readings and clubhouse upgrades
🎤 *2025*: Small/medium productions (we’re reviewing exciting proposals!)
💫 *2026*: Planning another spectacular large-scale show
Dates for Your Diary
Stay Connected
We’d love to hear your ideas at pinelandsplayers@gmail.com or @pinelands_players on social media. Here’s to creating more magic together!
“Theatre is the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” – Oscar Wilde
Download the full AdLib – May 2024 newsletter for more behind-the-scenes stories:
