Historic Buildings: Hull Street Theatre
The Original School of Mines
Tucked away in the heart of Kimberley stands one of the city's most fascinating heritage buildings. Today known as Hull Street Theatre, it has served many different purposes during its long and remarkable history.
The South African School of Mines was established in Kimberley in 1896 to train professionals for the burgeoning diamond and gold mining industries, and moved into the Hull Street building in 1899. By then, the curriculum involved a four-year joint program between the South African College in Cape Town, the School of Mines in Kimberley, and practical training in Johannesburg
The School was the country's first technical training school for the mining industry. The institution later moved to Johannesburg, where it eventually evolved into what are now the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Pretoria.
The Fourth Intake (August 1899):
The school accepted a new cohort of students—its fourth group—into the Kimberley program, including future prominent engineers like Percy Douglas and Edward Meyer.
Outbreak of War (October 1899):
The outbreak of the Anglo-Boer (South African) War in October forced all training programs to be suspended.
Relocation (1903):
Because of the interruptions caused by the war, the school never resumed operations in Kimberley. In 1903, the program was transferred to Johannesburg, evolving eventually into the University of the Witwatersrand.
Heritage Site (1977):
The original, late-Victorian School of Mines building located on Hull Street in Kimberley is now a formally declared Provincial Heritage Site
Hull Street Theatre
During the 1980s and 1990s, the historic building found a new life as Hull Street Theatre, becoming home to the Kimberley Repertory Players and hosting plays, concerts, musicals and community performances. For many local residents, it became one of Kimberley's best-loved cultural venues.
After many years of neglect, local residents, artists and businesses began working together to restore the theatre and return it to the community. The restoration has rekindled interest in one of Kimberley's most important historic buildings, ensuring that future generations can once again enjoy live theatre in this unique Victorian setting.
Today, Hull Street Theatre is once again hosting performances and community events, adding another chapter to a building that has contributed to Kimberley's educational, cultural and architectural heritage for well over a century. Follow them on Facebook.
Visiting Hull Street Theatre
Hull Street Theatre is located in Hull Street, Kimberley, close to many of the city's historic attractions. If you're attending a performance, why not spend time exploring the nearby museums, heritage buildings and the world-famous Big Hole before enjoying an evening at one of Kimberley's most historic venues?
Stay at The Solomon
If you're travelling to Kimberley for a performance at Hull Street Theatre, Solomon Edwardian Guest House offers elegant accommodation in the peaceful suburb of Beaconsfield, just a short drive from the theatre.
Guests at The Solomon enjoy comfortable rooms, secure parking, complimentary Wi-Fi and genuine Northern Cape hospitality, making it an ideal base for theatre-goers, business travellers and visitors exploring Kimberley's rich heritage.