“Two Theatres both alike in dignity
In fairest Braeburn where we set our scene”
(Almost Romeo and Juliet, with apologies to W.S.)

But two theatres there are – on the Braeburn Campus!

The Braeburn Theatre is located on the Braeburn Campus, situated on Nairobi’s Gitanga Road in the residential suburb of Lavington. The Campus houses ‘Braeburn School’ and ‘Braeburn High School’, the ‘Braeburn Club’ and both theatres. Below are descriptions of the theatres and the people behind them.

The Main Theatre
The main theatre, with a comfortable auditorium comprising 416 seats, has excellent flying and lighting facilities and wing space and is the home of the annual “Braeburn Pantomime”. In the past the golden coach of “Cinderella” has been a large 4-wheel drive vehicle, and more recently a flying aeroplane. This will give you some idea of the possibilities of the venue!

The theatre is frequently used by the Nairobi Orchestra and by visiting dance troupes. It is most suitable for plays, lectures, product promotions, fashion shows, demonstrations, game shows, quizzes, orchestral and dance performances, commercial and advertising shoots and recitals, just to name a few.

The stage is 88 square metres, and backstage facilities include the stage side storage facilities, flying, dressing rooms and toilets.

THE NEW THEATRE

This theatre opened in 2002 and is a much more intimate venue – ideal for small cast plays, recitals and lectures. With 126 seats, steeply raked and with excellent sight lines, the Little Theatre is ideal for presentations, and we can also hold most of the above here.

BEHIND THE SCENES

James Ward
The Braeburn theatres are under the tutelage and guidance of James Ward, a veteran of Nairobi’s theatre world and someone who’s been in theatre for more years than he (or anyone) cares to remember.

James trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama and got his first job in Summer Theatre in Frinton. Subsequently he appeared in Dundee, Coventry (where he renewed acquaintance with a school contemporary – Trevor Nunn), Leatherhead, Colchester and Southwold.

He played with both children and animals in a TV series called ‘Badgers Bend’ – which had as many problems with animals and birds as detectives in ‘Midsomer Murders’ have with bodies. He also donned policemen’s helmets and doctors coats in countless TV plays.

In 1966 he joined the Donovan Maule Theatre in Nairobi on a six-month contract (he admits that maths is not a strong point!) first as an actor and later also as director.

Since joining Braeburn where he directs plays with the pupils and the Braeburn Players he has added ‘My Fair Lady’, ‘Jungle Book’, ‘Chorus of Disapproval’, ‘Talking Heads’, ‘Groping for words’, ‘Under Milk Wood’ and several pantomimes to his c.v.

Are you interested in joining the Braeburn theatrical ensemble?

If so, please send a letter to PO Box 45112 0100 Nairobi or an e-mail to theatre@braeburn.ac.ke Attention James Ward, indicating your name, telephone number, e-mail contact and your physical location. Please state whether you have experience acting or backstage and what your experience level is. You MUST be able to attend evening and weekend rehearsals. Volunteers (please note the productions put on by Braeburn are non-salaried) are welcome for backstage and costumes.

PAST PRODUCTIONS:

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