22May

Lighting Up Somerset West’s Iconic Playhouse Theatre – A Story of Restoration and Reinvention

By Terry Bourquin

When devastating storms tore through Somerset West in December, the Playhouse Theatre was among the buildings hardest hit. The roof was severely damaged, and much of the venue's infrastructure was compromised. But rather than seeing disaster, the team behind this beloved community theatre saw an opportunity – to rebuild stronger, better, and more modern.

Will van der Leij, a multi-talented member of the Playhouse team who oversees technical operations and also performs as an actor, reached out to Matthew Mitchell (Electrosonic, Cape Town) to explore new solutions for lighting and control. The theatre had long relied on an extremely outdated Strand dimmer system running generic fixtures – a setup that no longer supported the busy and diverse productions the venue hosts, from school plays and ballet recitals to major community events.

After several detailed site visits and technical discussions, the team agreed that a strong, modern network backbone was the first step. The solution: an Obsidian Control Systems NX1 lighting console, paired with the NX-K Programmer Keypad and the Netron EN12; a high-density Ethernet to DMX gateway featuring twelve RDM-compatible ports. This comprehensive setup manages the entire lighting infrastructure with power and flexibility. The NX1’s all-in-one design was especially important for the Playhouse’s volunteer-based operations, offering intuitive control without the need for a separate PC. The EN12, in particular, is ideally suited to a dynamic, community-run venue. Its ability to route and manage multiple DMX universes makes it easy for volunteers to handle everything from simple school productions to more advanced performances, while keeping the system scalable and future-ready.

Local industry insight played a key role in shaping the upgrade. Hennie Olivier, owner of Glomix125, had previously introduced the team to Obsidian’s Onyx platform through his use of an NX Touch control surface. His recommendation, along with those of other respected technicians in the region, solidified the choice. The Onyx system was widely praised for its ease of use and professional capabilities.

Lighting fixtures are still under discussion, but the direction is clear – the team has shown strong interest in Martin MAC lighting fixtures, recognised for their powerful performance and adaptability to various productions.

What began as a response to storm damage has become a full-scale upgrade project that will serve Somerset West’s vibrant theatre community for years to come. Thanks to collaboration between passionate local professionals and trusted partners like Electrosonic SA, the Playhouse Theatre is well on its way to a new chapter in technical excellence.

About the Playhouse Theatre

The Playhouse Theatre in Somerset West is one of the oldest community theatre organisations in the Western Cape. Founded by the Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society (HHDS) in 1947, the society initially performed in various local venues before establishing a permanent home. The current theatre building, designed by Harry Hargreaves and constructed with community support, officially opened its doors on 26 May 1973.

As a registered non-profit organisation, the Playhouse Theatre is entirely volunteer-run. From actors and directors to technical crew and front-of-house staff, dedicated individuals contribute their time and talents to bring productions to life. This volunteer-driven model fosters a strong sense of community and ensures that the theatre remains a vibrant cultural hub in the Helderberg Basin.

Over the years, the theatre has hosted a diverse array of performances, including comedies, dramas, musicals, and dance revues, earning numerous awards and the loyalty of its patrons. Despite challenges, such as the recent storm damage, the Playhouse Theatre continues to thrive, thanks to the unwavering support of its volunteers and the broader community.

Playhouse Theatre Somerset West:

Website: www.theplayhouse.org.za
Facebook: facebook.com/PlayhouseSW
Instagram: @playhouse_theatre_sw
X (formerly Twitter): @PlayhouseSW
YouTube: The Playhouse Theatre Somerset West

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Posted in Lighting News