By Shellee-Kim Gold

I plotted my future as a vagabond and a ‘creative’ while retreating regularly into meditation mode at the back of a classroom in my teenage years. Until I was rudely awakened from my reverie with chalk or board dusters thrown at me by teachers. The school had views over the same bay in which Theatre On The Bay is located.

I later dabbled as an amateur actress, went globetrotting solo for seven years and then wound up as a hack. So there’s clearly something to be said about the now-exclusive suburb of Camps Bay and its ability to inspire creativity.

Camp and suitably dramatic is the life-sized bronze actor bowing his welcome to you in front of the theatre. While the building façade’s concrete curtain – literally set in stone – adds to the theatrical ambience.

Theatre On The Bay rarely ‘goes dark’. Other than the odd days between shows, these floor boards provide stompingly-good entertainment on tap all year around.

Owned by pioneering producer, Pieter Toerien, the Theatre explains its relationship with its actors as ‘being part of a big, extended family’. And it’s that warmth and familial feeling that translates to its patrons.

Described as ‘nicely decorated, very relaxed and just a little bit glamorous’, the chandelier-decked foyer is a point of interest for patrons.  Around the backlit bar area photographs of past theatre productions are displayed and make for a great pre-theatre perusal session.

But that’s not all you can peruse, because this venue screams: ‘Location, location, location’. And the best vantage point is upstairs at the Bill Flynn Room, from which many a happy cocktail and birthday party have been had. Here you can drink in the sumptuous setting of palm trees, fine white sands, the Atlantic and the Twelve Apostles while clinking glasses and munching canapés with your favourite friend. You’ll soon understand why Toerien was adamant about big windows and minimal obstruction in the building’s design.

Creativity is the name of the game here and whether it’s supreme satire delivered by the infamous Pieter-Dirk Uys, side-splitting comedy or their ‘bonsai’ musicals such as Evita or Cabaret, it’s bound to draw the crowds.  One of which recently included the likes of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife, Leah, when they put in a supporting guest appearance for a fundraiser here.

Horror comedy rock musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ starring Alan Committee as Seymour, runs in May 2015.