Comedy returns to Delta Park with launch of Whirlwind Theatre
Johannesburg’s Delta Park will soon rage with laughter as the Whirlwind Theatre opens its doors for live performances, comedy, music, and community events.
The Whirlwind Theatre is a cultural addition to Delta Park, a 104-hectare green space in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs with a strong history from early 1900s farmland to a sewage works, and later, the Delta Environmental Centre.
The theatre is operated through a collaboration between Tabitha Hoy, of Pickledginger Entertainment, and Bridget van Oerle, founder of The BUZ Hive.
According to Hoy, she and Van Oerle were led to Delta Environmental Centre following a failed search for a location.
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“The Whirlwind Theatre came about when Bridget van Oerle and myself were looking for an accessible space to bring smaller shows and performances to the public. We liked the idea of being more central, and were very excited when we were directed to the Delta Environmental Centre after our previous location proved unsuitable.”
Hoy comes with over 20 years of experience in corporate entertainment and live performance, while Van Oerle brings almost three decades of expertise in publicity, stakeholder mobilisation, and event curation. Together, they are creating a space where theatre, community events, music, and comedy can prosper.
Comedian and chef Christopher Forrest will be showing off his skills at the venue’s onsite pop-up restaurant, making sure that audiences can enjoy good food together with entertainment.
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The Whirlwind Theatre is not opening in honour of a person or event. “It is rather a space dedicated to the performing arts, which is severely lacking in smaller spaces. Lockdown saw a closure of many small theatre and comedy venues close, and we hope this will fill one of those gaps.”
The theatre will cater for everyone. The organisers say that they are excited to bring a little of something of everything. From classical music revues and movie nights to children’s theatre and themed performances, it will make it hard to stay at home.
The theatre officially launches with Comedy in the Park on March 21, featuring South African comedy heavyweights Christopher Forrest, Mojak Lehoko, Nick Goliath, and Rae Du Plooy, promising an evening of amusement, storytelling, and great humour.
Doors open at 17:00 for the pop-up restaurant, with the show starting at 19:00.
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