There’s no business, like show business …

Oh, how apt these lyrics in a country where the arts literally does take centre stage as part of Qatar’s vision to deepen understanding and bring nations closer together.

The performing arts are part of the country’s arsenal to this end.

Yes, it is always showtime in Qatar.

(As a quick aside, breaking news is that Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will perform in Qatar as part of his world tour on 13 May 2024).

Be it ballet or Beethoven, there are showtime spoils aplenty on offer in Doha, Qatar. I mean, we have even seen The Lion King in Arabic.

Now that was interesting … 

Premier showtime destination

Most of these performances take place at Qatar’s National Convention Centre’s (QNCC) theatre. The country’s premier cultural destination may not have the frenetic flamboyance of Broadway in New York or the hip-and-happening atmosphere of London’s West End, but it’s a jaw-dropping destination in its own right.

The theatre is but one aspect of the 200 000 square metres of venue area in what is a spectacular space for hosting a wide range of events all under one roof in Education City.

(This is the part of Doha that’s devoted to educational institutes, start-up incubators, technology parks, the Qatar National Library, the Museum of Modern Art, and the like.)

Anyway, when it comes to size, I’m talking about banquets for 10 000 people, 40 000m2 of indoor and outdoor “column-free” exhibition space, two massive multi-purpose exhibition halls … and the need for good walking shoes!

There are many other for shows and concerts, such as the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, the Doha Opera House, and the Katara Open Air Amphitheatre.

Qatar National Convention Centre Theatre

For the purposes of this blog, however, the focus will be on the 2300-seater theatre and the top theatrical performances it hosts.

(Oh, and a Lego show-on-steroids hosted in its exhibition halls. But more on the big-kid building treat at the end).

The Al Mayassa theatre is a world-class facility.

According to Richard Summers, a friend who was involved in the construction of the QNCC, the theatre was designed by Norman Bragg. The architect was also involved various theatre-related design in London’s West End theatrical district and the renovation of Cape Town’s Opera House in South Africa.

It’s spread over three tiers in the lyric style. The stage is large and comes with all the mod-cons in terms of rigging, lighting, and sound. (Gqeberha thespian friends accustomed to Opera House and Athenaeum Theatre will drool.)

I mean, the seating is made up of customised Bentley leather seats each with individual writing tablets and a plug point …

As you will know from earlier posts, especially the one about public toilets, Qatar is an extremely wealthy country, thanks to large oil and gas deposits.

It is also why Qatar is also able to bring in the best acts and artists to its world-class facilities for its 3 million residents.

Ballet – A Thousand and One Nights

After years of “Jester” and “Bus Stop” solos by my own budding ballerina daughters at the PE Dance Festival at the Savoy Theatre in good old Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), it was wonderful to indulge in the real thing.

It was a pinch-me moment as a full troupe of professional Russian dancers filled the stage for A Thousand and One Nights, a ballet based on Persian and Arabian literature.

The mystery of the Orient came to life in the storyline, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and mesmerising dancers.

And, all the while, the Eastern melodies were washing over us, thanks to the live orchestra.

Roll over Beethoven

The real joy of live music however came together with the staging of a show to celebrate 200 years of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No 9, better known as Ode to Joy. You’ll know it.

Apart from the full orchestra, there was a choir of more than 100 singers.

It was another pinch-me moment.

The volunteer choir from 40 different countries and Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra had practiced separately and then together for months to ensure an exceptional evening of music.

This is just like the movies I kept thinking of the baton-wielding conductor whose locks were flying all about as he directed the orchestra, except it was happening for real.

We all spontaneously rose to give the performers a standing ovation.

The Lion King in Arabic

There was no standing ovation at The Lion King but ongoing chatter and exuberant outburst of laughter and applause.

Hakuna Matata – no worries.

When the forthcoming show was announced I naively expected to be watching the full puppet-hosted musical stage show from London. I surmised that since the Russians had hosted the ballet, the Brits would send Pumba and the gang over, too.

Wrong. Very wrong.

This Lion King would be in Arabic on the big screen with the full musical score, again performed by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.

But again, hakuna matata.

Fortunately, there were English sub-titles, and the added delight of watching little ones enjoy the age-old story of Simba set in our beautiful continent of Africa.

And my Arabic received a boost.

Lego on steroids

And then there were the bricks, millions of them in every shape and form, along with the games, exhibits and other activities.

Oh, and did I mention professional Lego builders.

I will let the photographs of our big-kid adventure with this timeless toy do the talking.

Getting there

As shared, the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) is in Al Rayyan in Education City and is accessible by car, bus, and the Metro.

Tickets

Tickets for the various shows vary from about QAR 100 (R500) up, but regardless of where you sit in the theatre, the view is excellent.

They are always purchased online and come complete with the ubiquious QR code.

Helpful info