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Theatre, glamour and feasting: Madame Zingara’s mirrored tent returns this summer

Sarene Kloren|Published

The Royal Countess Zingara is returning to Cape Town, with her signature mix of theatre, dining and celebration.

Image: Madame Zingara

For nearly a century, the legendary mirrored tent has travelled across the world, carrying with it stories of glamour and enchantment. 

Now, the Royal Countess Zingara is preparing for a triumphant return to Cape Town, with her signature mix of theatre, dining and unrestrained celebration.

The Zingara story began 25 years ago when Richard Griffin launched the original Madame Zingara in Cape Town. 

What started as a modest 80-seater restaurant quickly grew into a cultural phenomenon. 

By 2001, guests could explore 13 themed dining rooms, each one paying homage to the spirit of Madame Zingara. 

Over the years, the show evolved into a dinner-cirque spectacular that blended international and local talent, becoming one of South Africa’s most beloved entertainment institutions.

This October, the Royal Countess Zingara opens her doors once more, offering an upgraded experience filled with fantasy and flair. 

Guests can look forward to a four-course feast paired with Cape wines, all served within the magical mirrored tent that has become synonymous with Zingara’s theatrical legacy.

The Countess herself teased the comeback on social media, declaring:

“Ah, my darlings… I see the whispers have turned into quite the storm in the teacup. The world is aflutter with stories. Some true, some… delightfully imaginative. But you know me, I never pour the tea before it’s perfectly steeped.

"How your excitement has set my heart alight! To feel such love upon my return is the sweetest welcome a Countess could wish for. I have missed you more than words, and I cannot wait to once again share nights of wonder, laughter, and spectacle by your side."

The post continues to tease us, saying; "Patience, precious ones. Every decadent detail, every shimmering secret, will be unveiled in due course. Until then, keep your ears open, your fans ready, and your imaginations deliciously wild…The Royal Countess Zingara always rewards those who wait."

Bookings open on 1 September 2025 for individual diners, while larger groups and corporate clients can already secure their spot. 

From outrageous birthdays and end-of-year celebrations to full-scale private takeovers, the Countess promises a season of indulgence like no other.

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