| What: Season of two plays by Gavin Werner at the Masque When: April 8-18, 2026 Where: The Masque, 37 Main Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town The plays: Meeting Murphy, performed by Brent Palmer and Chris Van Rensburg and Spanish Steps, performed by Gavin Werner and Dianne Simpson Bookings: Quicket Tickets: R180 per show, R300 to see both shows on the same evening Masque Box Office: Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays between 9am and 2pm Good to know: Secure parking is available. Wheelchair access and facilities available |
Wonderful news is the season of two plays by Gavin Werner at the Masque in Muizenberg, Cape Town. The season runs April 8-18, 2026 and features the premiere of his new play, Meeting Murphy and his acclaimed Spanish Steps. The two plays are running concurrently. Note the ticket deal: R180 per show and R300 to see both shows on the same evening. Read on for more. Info as supplied:
Exciting season of two plays from award winning writer Gavin Werner in Cape Town this April
An exciting Season of two plays from award winning playwright Gavin Werner comes to The Masque next month.
Between Us Productions presents the premiere run of Werner’s latest production, Meeting Murphy, as well as his acclaimed play Spanish Steps.
The two shows will run concurrently from April 8-18, 2026 at The Masque in Muizenberg.
Bookings can be made at Quicket
Meeting Murphy is a new,wickedly comic drama about revenge, redemption, and the wounds wenever outgrow.
Written by Gavin Werner in collaboration with Dianne Simpson, the play is directed by Gavin Werner and features the talented duo Brent Palmer (King George; Bench) as Dave; and Chris Van Rensburg (Kelders van Geheime; Die Nuusmakers) as Rick.
Set on a remote hiking trail, Meeting Murphy follows a middle-aged man who comes face to face with his teenage bully. What unfolds is a gripping, darkly funny confrontation that interrogates masculinity, memory, and the lasting scars of schoolyard cruelty, while challenging easy narratives of victim and perpetrator, revenge and reconciliation and nature vs. nurture.
Lighting Design for the production is by Frans Zunguze and the Script Editor is Dianne Simpson.
“We live in a time of crisis around masculinity, often expressed through behaviours labelled toxic masculinity. Much has been said about its consequences, yet we rarely ask why it exists, or do so with compassion,” says Gavin Werner. “
Having been both a victim and, at times, a perpetrator of bullying at a boys-only boarding school, I still find myself, even in my mid-fifties, triggered by events that happened four decades ago. I wrote Meeting Murphy to explore the inner worlds of both victim and perpetrator, and the fragile possibilities of making peace with the past.”
At a recent preview, renowned actor Adrian Galley commented about the play:
“What is most striking is the elegance with which the production honours the classical unities. Time, place, and action converge with remarkable discipline, allowing a richly layered narrative to emerge from an apparently simple premise…a psychological duel in which roles of victim and aggressor continually exchange masks….a gripping, intelligent, and deeply human work.”
Spanish Steps is Werner’s WGSA Award Winning play starring himself alongside powerhouse performer Dianne Simpson (The Sound of Music; Rose Red).
Directed by Caroline Midgley, this coming-of-middle-age comedy-drama won the WGSA Award Winner For Best Produced Script (2025) and was selected for the curated programme at the National Arts Festival in 2022.
Meet Barry and Maureen, who are trapped together in close quarters with nowhere to hide from each other – or themselves. As tempers flare and buttons are pushed, they become mirrors to one another’s blind spots in a sharp satire about the roles we play in society.
Funny, uncomfortable, and unexpectedly moving, this acclaimed play balances biting humour with genuine heart.
“Two unlikely companions. Trapped in a basement. Will it be catastrophe or epiphany?” says Werner. “I’m delighted to be bringing this work to The Masque, performing in tandem with my latest play. Come, take in a production, enjoy The Masque’s drinks and snacks in between, before catching another performance – a great double bill of theatre!”
Praise for Spanish Steps includes:
“[SPANISH STEPS] offers powerful and delightful insights into human dynamics … a lovely real work, which will keep you focused and laughing throughout.” Robyn Sassen
“Layering humour with deep emotion, there are laugh-out-loud moments and moments of raw vulnerability and audience discomfort, all held together by the superb acting of Gavin Werner and Dianne Simpson. “ Sam Nupen
“Thematically, Werner’s writing explores father relationships – with sensitivity and humour, which greatly adds to the accessibility of the story and makes watching this piece enormously satisfying.” Bruce Dennill
“[This] brilliantly performed play … does what art is supposed to do, by reflecting the human condition … These two hapless souls are all of us.” Peter Terry
“Quirky, uplifting and fun” Robyn Cohen, The Cape Robyn
“Fresh, funny and tragically Human” Megan Choritz, Weekend Special
Bookings for both shows can be made at Quicket
Tickets cost:
R180 per show
R300 to see both shows on the same evening
Age restriction:
No Under 14s
The performance schedule is:
Meeting Murphy
April 8, 9, 10, 17, 18 at 20h00
April 11, 14, 15, 16 at 18h00
April 18 at 16h00
Spanish Steps
April 11,14,15,16 at 20h00
April 8, 9, 10, 17, 18 at 18h00
April 11 at 16h00
The Masque is situated at 37 Main Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town, 7950, South Africa.
Parking is available at the venue. Wheelchair Access and Facilities available.
The Masque has a back-up generator so the show will go on, even when there is load shedding!
✳ Sponsored content. Images supplied. Featured image: Chris Van Rensburg and Brent Palmer in Meeting Murphy by Gavin Werner, which will be staged in Cape Town, at the Masque, April 8-18, 2026. Photo: James Hagen. Supplied.
