Having been established 20 years ago, the Barnyard Theatre family is no stranger to hosting some of the best local bands, comedians and performers. From the hilarious Barry Hilton to the musical talent of the 'Parlotones' and 'Prime Circle', there is a wide variety of shows doing the rounds at the six venues found across the country.
There are conference packages available, with resources capable of catering for up to 300 or more delegates, while programmes can be customized to suit the needs of the company attending.
There is a pizzeria and facilities for buffets around the venues if guests are feeling hungry, while equipment for corporate functions include audio visual, a large stage and sound and lighting tools. The Barnyard Theatre is able to host product launches, staff parties, entertainment and fundraisers.
Friendship, good food, wine and brilliant entertainment – this is where it all comes together. The Mother City's first Barnyard Theatre is situated in Willow Bridge Centre. This is a dinner theatre at its best, offering excellent live entertainment including rock shows, musicals, bands and revues.
The Barnyard started as a homely, rustic farm theatre in Plettenberg Bay where friends and family could be entertained and eat, drink and talk into the small hours of the morning. It proved to be such a winner that more Barnyard Theatres started popping up all over the Country.
There are currently 12, Barnyard Theatres in South Africa. While each theatre is a product of its individual setting, they all retain the quaint rustic charm of the original farm theatre’s humble beginning.
In the mood to be entertained... but not in the mood to get all dressed up and there's nothing on TV? Hungry... but not in the mood for cooking, washing dishes or dining at a formal restaurant either? Feeling homely.... but want to get out of the house? In a sociable mood … but want to stay intimate, perfect solution! The Barnyard Theatres offer professional upmarket theatre productions in a cosy, relaxed social environment where friendship, food, wine and brilliant entertainment all come together. Bring the kids if it’s a show that they would enjoy, meet some friends after work and share a few bottles of wine, host a birthday party, plan a weekend date, double date or a New Years Eve bash.
Doors usually open about and hour and a half before the show starts so that you can get comfy at your own wooden table, make yourself at home and have dinner. Pack a gourmet picnic, pick up something from a drive-through, take last nights leftovers, order your favourite Chinese take-out and bring some chop-sticks anything goes on the self-catered food front, no fuss. The bigger Barnyard Theatres have selection of pizzas, nachos and snack platters that you can order in advance and collect on arrival. No beverages are allowed as there is a full bar service catering for drinks (closed during the show) so be sure to stock up before the performance.
The theatres are non-smoking and kid friendly with smoking lounges for smokers. Shows include local and international plays and musicals, live bands as well as special circus productions. The stage, lighting effects, sound quality and performances are Broadway quality set in a rustic Barnyard inspired venue with wooden tables facing the centerstage. The shows are usually so much fun that you might want to be a part of them and since dancing is not allowed on the tables the production company hosts regular auditions for talent. 'Break a leg!'