Hedwig at Gate 69

Gate 69 Takes Capetonians To New Heights

Cape Town's hottest new venue is Gate 69. This chic cabaret theatre, located on the ever trendy Bree Street in the heart of the city, offers patrons an unforgettable evening of fun, fine food and fantastic theatre. Gate 69 is the vision of iconic entertainer Brendan van Rhyn, a vision that took nine years to come to fruition but the final product is one that was certainly worth the wait. I visited the theatre for the first time this weekend to see Hedwig and the Angry Inch, showing until the end of November.

As you step through the front door you are greeted by blonde bombshell Cathy Specific, Brendan's fabulous alter ego, and at once you are made to feel like an old friend who is popping in to catch up over a sundowner. Gate 69's official information booklet describes Cathy as a "sassy and saucy stewardess...the crème de la crème of trolley dollies and a delight to all whom she serves". I could not agree more. Her undeniable charm and personal attention to each guest are refreshing and the perfect compliments to the venue's aesthetic.

The downstairs lounge and bar area is covered in plush purple and pink with splashes of decadent gold, creating a warm and inviting space that transports you to another world, a world dominated by elegance and unapologetic opulence. Guests are invited to enjoy a welcome drink, a delicious vodka and raspberry elixir, before being escorted up the stairs to their tables. Mirrors cover one of the walls, opening up the space while simultaneously reflecting the amazing wall of Warhol-inspired prints of Cathy Specific.

The theatre space itself is cosy with ambient candlelight enhancing the richness and luxury of the décor while the purple and gold furnishings are carried through from downstairs. The theatre can cater for 80 to 90 guests so there are no bad seats. We were seated upstairs which, in my opinion, offered the best spot from which to enjoy the show. A imaginative platter of mezze cuisine is already waiting on each table, brimming with an assortment of pates, cheese, olives, bruschetta and other tasty nibbles. The efficient waitresses are dressed as glamorous flight attendants - no ill-fitting uniforms and ugly shoes for this cabin crew - and ensure that guests have all that they need for the evening. In addition to the mezze platter, a spicy tomato soup is served, along with the most heavenly selection of warm breads. I did not hesitate when our waitress offered a second piece of the cheese bread.

I had only seen the film version of Hedwig and the Angry Inch so I was eager to see how the story would be adapted for the smaller stage. I am happy to say that I was not disappointed. The minimal set, comprising the cross-section of a trailer, worked as the backdrop to Hedwig's story while the Origin of Love scene featured a beautiful animated projection onto a curtain drawn across the stage. Paul du Toit, who plays Hedwig, simply owned the stage; I could not take my eyes off of him for the 90 minutes that he strutted across the stage in Hedwig's signature denim cut-offs, gold boots and platinum blonde wig. Both Paul and Genna Galloway, who plays Yitzhak, displayed powerful vocals; Genna's excerpts of I will always love you were particularly goosebump-inducing. Simply put, a world class performance.

Then, just when you think the evening couldn't get any better, after the show ends you are presented with a purple, tequila-infused soft serve. In. A. Cone. 

The theatre's brochure promises a "heightened sensory experience, taking you to a world you've never been before; a world where we welcome you to get lost in the magic that is cabaret". This is not an empty promise. I, for one, cannot wait to re-enter the world that awaits at Gate 69.