[1] The theatre complex is adjacent to the fine arts and drama departments at the University of Cape Town.

Originally a chemistry laboratory, the Little Theatre was opened in 1931 as a venue to house drama and opera productions.

The theatre moved to the professional era in 1937 with André Van Gyseghem's production of Bernard Shaw’s Man and Superman in 1937.

[3] In the 1950s the theatre began to forge a closer relationship with the University's Drama Department, leading to a break with the College of Music.

Malherbe’s version of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, Mavis Taylor’s costume designs were used in follow up productions in Antwerp.