Port Elizabeth Theatres

Arts and Culture in the Theatre

Port Elizabeth may be a small city when compared to cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, but it enjoys a strong cultural atmosphere and a vibrant nightlife. The theatrical scene in Port Elizabeth is constantly changing and visitors can expect to enjoy a number of different performances at the local Opera House on any given day of the week. Of course, not every performance at this local house of theatre involves singing. Audiences will find a wide variety of interesting theatrical productions available all year round. And, while the Opera House is probably the most regular host of theatrical productions, it certainly isn’t the only one.

If you’d like to enjoy an extra special theatrical treat whilst in Port Elizabeth, try and make sure that your visit coincides with the annual Shakespearian production that is held at the open-air theatre at St George’s Park. Every year the production differs in terms of content and directive style and it may be portrayed with old-style ambience or young and vibrant flair. In either case, the production continues to be as timeless as all Shakespeare’s masterpieces and those attending almost always enjoy this annual treat. So visit any of the many theatres in Port Elizabeth and make the most of your stay here!

Port Elizabeth is home to the oldest functioning opera house in the Southern Hemisphere — the Port Elizabeth Opera House, built in 1892!

FAQs

Get answers about South African destinations

What types of shows can I expect in Port Elizabeth?
You’ll find everything from classical opera and Shakespeare to modern drama, musicals, youth theatre, and local cultural performances.
Where is the main theatre located?
The historic Port Elizabeth Opera House is located on Whites Road in the Central district. Other venues include community halls and open-air spaces like St George’s Park.
Are shows performed in English or other languages?
Most productions are in English, but isiXhosa and Afrikaans performances are also part of the local theatre calendar.
What’s the Shakespeare at St George’s Park event?
Each year, an outdoor Shakespearean play is performed in the open-air amphitheatre at St George's Park — a must-see fusion of classical theatre and starlit ambiance.
How do I get tickets for local theatre productions?
Tickets can be purchased at venue box offices or through online platforms like Webtickets and Computicket. Some smaller productions offer tickets at the door.

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Location

Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth

Showtimes

Mostly evenings; matinees on weekends and school holidays

Tickets

Available via Webtickets, Computicket, or venue websites

Family Friendly

Children’s theatre often hosted during school holidays

Best Time to Visit

March–May and October–December for mild weather and festival season

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