The FundiConnect team was recently lucky enough to get tickets to visit the Barnyard Theatre in Cape Town. Carry on reading to hear more about our Barnyard experience.
To those of you that have been to the Barnyard before, you know that as soon as someone says; “I got tickets to the Barnyard!” you get chills and the butterflies in your tummy go on hyper speed in anticipation. To those of you who haven’t, continue reading and let your imagination revel in the images of the Barnyard.
Barnyard Theatre Adventure
As luck has it, we arrive at the Barnyard slightly late. After a quick catch-up session outside, we enter the foyer of the theatre. An interesting bar wraps around the corner, which invites us to follow it as it bends. As we come around the corner our senses are heightened by the mouth-watering smells coming from the pizza hut. Naturally, guided by our heightened senses, we order some pizza, some refreshments and follow the host to our seats – ready for the next adventure.
As we enter, our eyes shift upwards towards the fairy lights, covering every inch of the roof, which mirror the exact image of the milky way constellation. We walk in and as we look around, all we see are pearly white gleaming smiles staring at the stage. Clearly, the people love the performance. The stage comes alive with eccentric dancing, singing, talented musicians and flashing lights. There are wooden features all over the theatre which adds to the whole Barnyard experience, since a traditional barnyard is wooden on the inside and outside. Just add some hay and cows and you have yourself a real life barnyard.
We take our seats right in front of the stage and the beaming lights. It might be slightly too close but we can see absolutely everything. If we are any closer, we’d feel the performer’s sweat drops fall onto us. And so, the show begins.
The Performance
From the get-go, it is pretty clear that a lot of thought and effort went into the selection process of the musicians and performers, they are excellent. We are completely captured by their performance. The show is called 99 Hits and they literally perform the top 99 hits of all time, from the Beatles to Rihanna. During the performance, the performers engage with the crowd by adding little skits and dances to the songs. My eyes can’t help but follow intimately and get lost in everything that is happening on stage – it’s brilliant.
As we start dancing and jumping up at random moments, I’m pretty sure some of us forget we are in public. Two of us are singled out and are ‘lucky’ enough to be serenaded by the performers. Awkward much. Locking eyes intensely with a stranger is not always the most comfortable feeling, but is definitely part of the experience. When I think of the FundiConnect Barnyard adventure, I’ll forever think back on this moment.
Pizza Time
As with any event, the food is one of the main attractions. The food arrives during the first act and, boy, we are excited. My mouth is watering while I wait for them to organise the boxes and make sure everyone has access to the pizza. Once set-up it’s free reign for all. I take a slice and reassure myself that two pieces are the limit. As if. The pizza is so tasty. Two more slices slip into my hand, while I sit back and revel in the beauty of the food and show.
The first half of the show comes to an end. People stand up to buy more refreshments while the rest of us stay behind, chat about the show, about work, past experiences and anything else the conversation leads to.
The Second and Final Act
Lights dim and it’s time for the second half of the show. Conversations end quickly and we settle into our seats. I can feel the excited buzz and adrenalin rush in the air as the show commences.
The second half of the show is a lot more interactive. They ask us to stand up and join in on several occasions. The people I least expect to be into the vibe stand up first and start clapping along to the beat merrily. Familiar songs, known to our generation, start belting from the performer’s mouths. Everyone is singing along whole heartedly. I am absolutely loving the experience and I really don’t want it to end, especially now that I can actually sing along.
Sadly, they all take a bow and say goodbye to us. I look around to see if anyone is going to start screaming: “We want more! We want more!” The audience start a slow drum roll on their tables and all things wooden. Everyone joins in on the drum roll and soon the theatre is filled with a huge drumming noise the actors certainly can’t ignore.
Out they bounce with huge smiles on their faces, mics in hand and the performers belt out the ‘actual’ final song. None of us can resist the contagious happiness filling the air. We stand up to join them with loud, not always in tune, singing, hand clapping and body moving motions.
The final exit begins and everyone in the audience is now satisfied and ready to head onwards to the next destination: home. The FundiConnect team stands around and we chat for a while. None of us really want the night to end but we all know that we need to get to bed soon if we are to have a productive day on Friday.
Happy Ending
After a successful night out with the FundiConnect team, I can honestly say that the Barnyard is such an amazing experience to have with people. Since I am new to the FundiConnect team, it was a great opportunity to get to know everyone on a more social level. Plus, there was no opportunity for awkwardness due to the live performance right in front of us.
So, for anyone wanting to catch up with friends, get to know new friends better or have a bit of an office party, I can say from experience that music, wine and pizza are generally a perfect way to do it.
A night out
Barnyard is a great option when deciding on a fun night out. Their fully stocked bar and delicious pizzas are definitely the winning factor.
Some of their specials are:
- Sunday nights are only R100/person and kids under 12 are free
- Cape Town has a student special on Thursday nights, you only pay half price!
- Pensioners get half price on a Wednesday.
- They also have special deals if you have an eBucks card.
These specials can vary from theatre to theatre. Each theatre may also have their own set of specials. Go to the Barnyard website to see more specials at the Barnyard theatre nearest to you. The Barnyard is in all big cities in South Africa.
FundiConnect 2cents
If you’re tired of the same old routine every week and every get together, then the Barnyard is a great way to get out of your comfort zone. Try something fun and new. Depending on where you live, going to the Barnyard might be an area you’ve never been to before. Ultimately it could be an opportunity for you to explore and discover new places close to you, as well as be amazed by the talent in South Africa.
