You think you know a city.
Then an invitation comes for dinner and a show at a place you’re yet to hear of, in this case, Richard’s Supper Stage and Bistro, in Sea Point. Opened by internationally acclaimed South African prouder and director Richard Loring and his long time friend, Roland Seidel.
The upstairs venue offers a nostalgic look at the main District Six areas with street names and street scenes remembered. Settling into the evening with a glass of sparkling wine and sequinned hat to match the mood, I was hooked from the get go. While we chatted over starters, the duo on piano and guitar keep fine company until the lights were dimmed and it was show time.
Here is a rather retro place almost stopped in time, where the focus is firmly set on the uplifting feel good things – entertainment, music, casual dining and an authentic look at our rich culture of storytelling, so specific to the Cape.
From the start pure indulgence and I found myself singing along, clapping enthusiastically and unable to withhold the occasional hoorah! A balanced extravaganza of traditional Cape minstrel, banjo and ululating isiXhosa lullabies matched to impressive opera and sultry cabaret.
All harmonious and delightfully captivating.
Kaapse Stories from the Mother City
The current show that I was lucky enough to see is called Kaapse Stories or Cape Stories. A uniquely vibrant musical that tells the story of the Kleintjies family from District Six. It offers insight into the cosmopolitan community that once thrived at the foot of Table Mountain, until it’s demolition under the Apartheid government.
Grandpa Joe, known to everyone as ‘Pa Joe’ takes us on a journey of extraordinary events along with his mix of family members, with a few surprise characters joining him on the stage. The talent and raw Cape humour as well as powerful voices had me moved to emotion on more than one occasion. Especially when the security guard broke out in a perfect operatic voice, and the ‘vagrant’ woman did a goose-bump inducing rendition of Shirley Bassey’s ‘I who have nothing’.
Directed by the award winning director Basil Appollis, this show has seen over 1000 performances to lovely and international guests, allowing them to discover the colourful history of the Cape and its vibrant people.
A lovely evening of relaxed company and good food were an energising gift and I left with a bounce in my step. Our waitress Chantal could not have been more attentive or charming and the wonderful spread of food on offer at the buffet called me back for seconds, on two of the four generous courses.
Wearing a sequinned hat is almost a necessity. MIne was blue!
Richard’s Bistro.
We never got there, except to walk through it, but downstairs in Richard’s Bistro you can enjoy coffee and traditional breakfasts; lunch and dinners and Mediterranean dishes either on the open deck or in the colourful Bo-Kaap style bistro.
The important details.
- When: Bistro Daily 8am to 11pm. Supper Stage Tuesday to Sunday.
- Time: Supper Stage Doors open at 19h00 for 19h30.
- Price: R450pp includes the show, a 4-course dinner and a glass of bubbly on arrival
- Dress: Smart Casual
- Address: 229A Main Road Sea Point, Cape Town
- Show Bookings: 076 1444809 | 021 4344497 and 021 4331340
I recommend the experience for locals wanting an uncomplicated, light and fun night out, and to all visitors who would like an authentic look at a Cape culture too often overlooked. Both with leave sated and happy.
A video off their YouTube channel to serve as a teaser to encourage you to book.
For more information on Richard’s Supper Stage and Bistro, have a look at their website and connect with them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Disclaimer: Together with a friend, by invitation of Brian Berkman PR, I was a guest of Richard’s Supper Stage and Bistro.
