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Gary Hemmings sitting alone in an empty theatre under a single spotlight

Gqeberha, South Africa · Since 1997

GaryHemmings

Producer.

Making things happen since 1997.Occasionally on purpose.

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Illustrative theatre programmes and cue sheets
Creative portrait of Gary directing a rehearsal
Illustrative home interview setup with two empty chairs and a webcam
Centrestage@Baywest stage and dinner-theatre seating under blue lights
Creative portrait of Gary laughing at a mixing desk
1997Centrestage begins.

Act I Exposition

So, who is
this guy?

Gary Hemmings has spent the better part of three decades producing shows, building entertainment businesses, developing performers and convincing people that whatever slightly ridiculous idea he has just proposed is, in fact, completely reasonable.

Since founding Centrestage in 1997, he has created and produced hundreds of live entertainment productions across South Africa, worked with generations of performers and helped build one of the Eastern Cape’s most recognisable entertainment brands.

He has also produced corporate events, interviewed hundreds of people, written about entertainers, helped build venues and generally avoided having a normal job.

He tried one once. It didn’t stick.

ProducerEntrepreneurStorytellerProfessional troublemaker
Portrait of Gary Hemmings
Dressing room
Years of making things happen
29
Productions, give or take
200+
Conversations recorded
450
Permanent stage
1
Normal jobs held*
0

* One attempt. Brief. See above.

Tonight’s programme

The rest of the story, in acts.

Act IIThe StoryTwenty-nine years in six scenes. One questionable hairstyle.Act IIIShowsA small selection of the things Gary has convinced people to let him produce.Act IVPeoplePeople who tolerated me. Some of them still do.Act VConversationsWhen the stages closed, Gary and Gino started talking. They haven’t stopped.Act VIPressGary’s interviews for The Herald - comedians, musicians and the occasional troublemaker.Act VIIContactGood ideas, questionable ideas and ideas beginning with “Gary, hear me out…”

The show
goes on.

Gary HemmingsGqeberha, South Africa