Since 1997, they have been one of the Eastern Cape’s favourite travelling acts — but now, 27 years on, Centrestage have found a home.
Centrestage @ Baywest, a cabaret-style venue, conference centre and bar, will officially open to the public later in September.
After 27 years of performing at various venues predominantly in Nelson Mandela Bay and East London, Centrestage have become a household name, known for their vibey entertainment.
Over the years, they have also nurtured new and fresh talent through their various shows, and that is what they aim to continue doing from their new base in Baywest Mall.
The large mall, at the heart of touted N2 nodal development, was recently sold to a consortium of equity buyers under the name Hangar 18.
Centrestage owner Gary Hemmings said it was an article in The Herald quoting Hangar 18 co-founder and joint chief executive Marc Edwards about their plans to transform the mall into an entertainment destination, that sparked the idea.
Drumroll to three months later, Hemmings and his partner, Gino Fabbri, said they were excited to introduce Centrestage’s most exciting project yet to their loyal fan base.
The venue will be launched on September 26 by Afrikaans singer/songwriter Kurt Darren, through a cabaret performance.
The 1,000m² venue, which is finished off with the original burgundy velvet curtains which once went down on many a production at The Little Theatre in Central, is a one-stop shop for entertainers, corporates and people simply wanting to enjoy a night out in a safe environment.
Cabaret shows can seat up to 400 people at table settings, and many more in a schoolroom or cinema-style format.
The stage, meanwhile, has a built in projection, sound and lighting system.
For this, Centrestage partnered with Ronnie van Jaarsveld of LineOut Productions, which offers services in the hire and sale of professional audio, video and lighting equipment, stage solutions and events.
Hemmings said Van Jaarsveld was also a great bass player, and that their relationship was forged when he played in their “he Songs That Rocked our World show in 2023.
Van Jaarsveld, meanwhile, said he always believed that there was a need for a multipurpose venue that could cater for a mid-sized audience in Gqeberha.
“If we look at where this city can develop to, it can really only develop towards the west, and so this idea was running in my head for a while,” Van Jaarsveld said.
“When Gary and Gino approached me, and mentioned that the new owners of Baywest were keen to get involved, it was just another confirmation that the need existed for such a venue.
“I believe it is going to add immense value to the local events industry and increase opportunities.”
The venue also boasts a fully-licensed bar and in-house catering by local chef Jeanine Botha.
Mixed platters can also be ordered ahead of time from four of the major restaurants in the mall, including Spur, RocoMamas, John Dory’s and Panarottis, and each patron will receive a discount should they wish to dine at one of these establishments before or after the show.
Going forward, platters can also be pre-ordered from Botha, who will also oversee the waiting staff.
On September 27, Centrestage regular Tara-Jane Stern will grace the new venue as she fronts the Sparkling Sisterhood, which takes the audience on a journey through music and, of course, sisterhood.
In between Absolutely Abba tribute shows, there will also be a fun Kids Rock matinee, perfectly timed for the school holidays, and further tribute shows to the likes of Prince, Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars, and The Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel.
But more than just Centrestage, the venue will be available to hire.
Hemmings and show-stopping funnyman Fabbri, said they also looked forward to bringing new acts to the city.
Baywest marketing manager Lindsay Steele said since acquiring the mall in January, Hangar 18’s focus remained on creating a family-friendly environment with entertainment options for both children and adults, on expanding and diversifying the mall’s service offerings, and appealing to the greater community.
“We have been eagerly awaiting the official opening of Centrestage @ Baywest.
“The addition of this venue and the lineup of both family, adult and kids’ shows will further enhance Baywest Mall’s entertainment offering, making it a one-stop family entertainment hub for residents and visitors to Nelson Mandela Bay,” Steele said.
Centrestage @ Baywest is located on the upper ground at Entrance 1, and will be open to view for events from September 18.
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