October 27, 2010. The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway successfully re-opened their year-end show, The Absolute 80’s, on Tuesday night after the fire at the venue in the early hours of last Thursday morning.
The full extent of the damage from the fire could only be assessed after clean-up operations had been completed. The fire itself was contained due to the smoke alarm and sprinkler system being triggered and, although the damage from the fire was minimal, the venue suffered major water damage. The full extent of the damage to The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway is in the region of R600 000.
The Barnyard had to cancel five shows while they worked around the clock to get the venue back in running order. It was down to the wire last night, and the theatre got the official go-ahead to open the venue and proceed with the show at 6.45pm, with the show starting at 8pm.
“We had a few anxious moments yesterday waiting to see if the venue could operate last night, and were relieved when we got the necessary approval and could open the venue to the public who were waiting to see the show last night. The evening ran smoothly and The Absolute 80’s enjoyed its second successful show at the venue,” said The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway’s owner Debbie Davidson.
After the fire, which started in the venue’s smoking lounge when one of the leather couches caught light after the theatre had closed, The Barnyard has taken the decision to make the venue fully non-smoking. Patrons are advised that the smoking lounge will no longer be available and they will, therefore, not be able to smoke in the venue or centre.
The Absolute 80s will be running at The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway through the festive season until 9 January, celebrating the hits of the 1980s. Tickets are R120 per person from Wednesday to Saturday, with discounted specials of R85 per person every Tuesday night and Sunday matinee show.
For info call The Barnyard Theatre on 031 566 3045, e-mail gateway@barnyardtheatres.co.za or visit www.barnyardtheatres.co.za