……BY BILLY SUTER……
FANS of the Rockwood Theatre at Sibaya Casino near Umhlanga will have to wait a little longer before they can see a new show at the popular three-tier venue, management at which had hoped to reopen this month with a new musical production.
Following consultation with Sibaya Casino management, it has now been decided to keep the theatre closed until the Coronavirus-fuelled state of disaster is lifted in South Africa. So it seems probable the Rockwood will not open before the end of the year.
The recent easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, allowing for venues to permit 50% venue capacity while complying with lockdown safety protocols, signalled good news for theatres. It lead to the reopening of the Rhumbelow Theatre in Durban and plans for the Barnyard Theatre at Suncoast Casino to reopen early in November.
Cindy Webster, who with husband Andrew Webster, owns and manages the Rockwood Theatre at Sibaya Casino, said intentions were to reopen the venue on October 2, initially operating Fridays to Sundays only, with a seating capacity of 160 people.
The first production was to have been a music compilation with an all-Durban cast, featuring highlights from productions staged at Rockwood over the past three years since it opened.
Cindy said times had been very tough due to lockdown but the Websters were expanding the business to offer both the theatre and be an events company. They were delighted that they had already been receiving enquiries for functions. Keep an eye on the venue’s new website at: http://www.rockwoodevents.com
The new number for Rockwood Theatre queries is 062 453 9237.
Meanwhile, a show, The Ultimate Countdown, specially shot recently at the Rockwood Theatre, is available online for streaming until October 18, via digitv.co.za, at a cost of R50. Tickets are available at Quicket.co.za and artists appearing in the show will benefit from the funds raised.
“To support this fundraiser, go to https://qkt.io/zpkCyw and buy a ticket.
