The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway

The Barnyard Theatre opened at Gateway opened on Umhlanga Ridge on 2 November 2001. The 430-seater venue offers Durban theatre-goers a unique experience in evening entertainment.

The Barnyard Theatre concept was the brainchild of Louis Möller and his wife Sybel Coetzee, who own the franchise with Duck Chowles. Louis and Sybel have both been involved in the performing arts most of their lives, and after a few years of dairy farming near Plettenberg Bay, longed for a way to combine their two loves - the footlights and their farm. The original Barnyard Theatre was established in a converted barn on their dairy farm and, from here, their interest in the theatre and live entertainment blossomed into a series of similar venues around the country. The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway was the first fully-fledged commercial venue and was pioneered by owner Debbie Davidson whose hands-on approach ensures the highest levels of personalised service.

Theatre remains magical because it responds to the communal needs of society and the informal atmosphere at The Barnyard lends itself to this as shows are particularly formatted to ensure that the audience becomes the final cast member. Locals warmed to the informal venue immediately and, a mere 11 months after opening, The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway was the recipient of Marketing Excellence Award from the Institute of Marketing Management.

The Barnyard experience offers patrons the opportunity to enjoy the highest quality shows at an affordable price. The appeal of The Barnyard, and what distinguishes it from other supper theatres, is that patrons are able to take their own food. Although a new kitchen was added to the venue at the beginning of 2007, The Barnyard retained its “bring your own” food policy, but now provides the convenience of food (gourmet pizzas, platters and hot meals) available in the venue. Patrons are still encouraged to arrive early, place their orders which will be freshly prepared, and enjoy their meals at their seats in the theatre before curtain-up. The theatre also has a Coffee Corner open all day where they serve their own blend of organic coffee and selection of delicious homemade cakes.

A cash bar is available to patrons so no beverages may be bought into the theatre and, in accordance with Government legislation, this is a non smoking venue. Shows are primarily musical revues, featuring vocalists and a full live band, which have wide appeal and suitable for the whole family. There are promotions on ticket prices on the Sunday matinee and Tuesday night shows and bookings are made directly with the venue.

The theatre opens at 18h30 from Tuesday to Saturday, and at 12h30 on Sundays. The shows start at 20h00 from Tuesday to Saturday, and at 14h00 on Sundays.