Join the Hout Bay Rotary Club for a night of laughter and charity at the South African premiere

More than 200 Hout Bay pupils who need glasses could soon have their sight restored, thanks to a fundraiser show being hosted by the Hout Bay Rotary Club at the local museum next month.

Last year, the Rotary kicked off 2025 with vision testing at three schools in the area, screening 672 pupils and finding that 206 needed glasses. The fundraiser aims to support Hout Bay's Vision Project 2026 and continue that momentum.

"This initiative underscores the club's commitment to uplifting the community through both artistic expression and tangible support," said Carolyn Herrick, past president of the Hout Bay Rotary Club and current coordinator of the 2026 project.

The Rotary Club of Hout Bay has worked around the clock to ensure that pupils have better vision at school. In January last year, the club rolled out the Hout Bay Vision Testing project, where at five of the Hout Bay Primary Schools, 1406 children were screened, and during this process, it was found that 320 pupils required glasses ("Hout Bay pupils benefit from vision testing project", Sentinel News, February 2025).

Audiences are set to be enchanted with the South African premiere of the delightful play 'On A First Name Basis' written by acclaimed Canadian playwright Norm Foster.

The fundraiser show is scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 5, 6, and 7 at the Hout Bay Museum Hall, with the production promising an evening of "laughter, emotion, and unexpected revelations."

"The play revolves around the tale of a successful yet cantankerous novelist who suddenly realises that he knows alarmingly little about his maid of 28 years. In a heartfelt and often humorous conversation, the maid reveals that she, in fact, knows everything about him. As the dialogue unfolds, the narrative weaves together elements of social commentary, mystery, and a touch of love - all wrapped in Norm Foster's signature witty prose," Ms Herrick said.

Mr Foster, known as Canada’s most produced playwright, brings a unique blend of charm and insight to this story, ensuring audiences are both entertained and moved.

"The play’s rich dialogue, paired with vivid imagery, invites theatre-goers to reflect on the often-overlooked relationships in our lives," she said.

The production features local talent with considerable experience in the theatrical arts, such as  Hout Bay-based actors Dianne Richoz Barclay and John Herrick, who boast decades of experience in amateur dramatics, having performed in various productions, including Dianne's recent stint in Calendar Girls in New York and John’s role in A Bunch of Amateurs at the Masque Theatre in Muizenberg.

In addition to delivering a captivating performance, this production serves a charitable purpose, Ms Herrick said.

Proceeds from the play will support the Rotary's Vision Project, which aims to provide spectacles for children in local schools.

Ms Herrick said the Rotary plans to expand its testing in 2026, with more than 2 000 pupils expected to be screened by the end of April. To date, 35% of those already screened are in need of spectacles.

Tickets for this theatrical experience are R250 and can be purchased through Quicket. 

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