George Herald

Arts Theatre dons a renovated costume

- Pauline Lourens

The historic Oakhurst Insurance George Arts Theatre is undergoing renovation­s. At present only the Back Stage Lounge venue of the theatre is available for bookings for cabaret type live performanc­es and private functions.

Renovation­s in the auditorium, stage and dressing rooms started on Monday. The chairs have been removed and will be reupholste­red and painted.

Theatre Manager Heather Stead is excited about the finds they made during the removal process.

"We found a few wonderful surprises like Cape Performing Arts Board Theatre tickets from 1967 and Arts Theatre tickets from the 1970s that were stuck inside the seats. Does anyone remember when the Arts Theatre tickets were 40c or 50c? We would love to know. Oakhurst will be framing them to put up at the theatre. Lots of old posters will also be framed to put up in the newly renovated dressing rooms."

"We are lucky to be sponsored by Oakhurst Insurance, who also sponsored our previous renovation­s in 2014. This latest renovation is long overdue, and we truly appreciate their sponsorshi­p. The George Society of Arts is a non-profit organisati­on and cannot afford these renovation­s. We hope this will last for the next 20 years!"

Costume hire

Costumes can still be hired for all sorts of occasions from the theatre's wardrobe section, which is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 13:00 to 15:00.

Celebratio­n

The theatre will celebrate the renovation­s with a members' evening on Friday 27 October and Oakhurst Insurance will host a reopening Gala Evening on 4 November.

The Back Stage Lounge Coffee and wine bar is still available for all types of functions and can be booked by phoning Jolien Saaiman on 044 874 3142.

 ?? Photo: Pauline Lourens ?? Exotic costumes suitable for fancy dress occasions and posh functions can be hired from the wardrobe section of the Oakhurst Insurance George Arts Theatre. Jolien Saaiman and Rosemary Petersen are there to assist.
Photo: Pauline Lourens Exotic costumes suitable for fancy dress occasions and posh functions can be hired from the wardrobe section of the Oakhurst Insurance George Arts Theatre. Jolien Saaiman and Rosemary Petersen are there to assist.

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