Gavin Werner's award-winning plays: A must-see season in Cape Town this April
Chris Van Rensburg and Brent Palmer in Meeting Murphy.
Image: James Hagen
Theatre lovers are invited to The Masque in Muizenberg this April for an exciting season featuring two plays by the acclaimed, award-winning playwright Gavin Werner. Presented by Between Us Productions, the run features the premiere of Werner's latest work, the wickedly comic drama Meeting Murphy, alongside a revival of his celebrated WGSA Award Winning play, Spanish Steps. The two shows will run concurrently from April 8 to 18.
Meeting Murphy
The premiere run of Meeting Murphy is a dark comedy exploring the lasting scars of schoolyard cruelty, revenge, and redemption. Written by Werner in collaboration with Dianne Simpson, the play is also directed by Werner and stars Brent Palmer and Chris Van Rensburg. The plot is set on a remote hiking trail where a middle-aged man confronts his teenage bully in a gripping and darkly funny psychological duel.
Werner shared the personal inspiration behind the new work. “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,” he stated. “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.”
Renowned actor Adrian Galley, who attended a recent preview, offered high praise for the production. “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,” Galley commented.
Gavin Werner and Dianne Simpson in Spanish Steps 6.
Image: Mark Wessels
Spanish Steps
Running in tandem is the acclaimed Spanish Steps, a coming-of-middle-age comedy-drama that won the WGSA Award for Best Produced Script in 2025. Directed by Caroline Midgley, the play stars Werner alongside powerhouse performer Dianne Simpson. It follows the story of Barry and Maureen, two unlikely companions trapped together in close quarters, providing a sharp satire on societal roles and human blind spots.Werner expressed his enthusiasm for the unique pairing. “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!”
Bookings for both shows are available through Quicket. Tickets are R180 per show, or R300 for both on the same evening.