*** AN EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY TO WIN FRONT ROW TICKETS TO ONE OF THE HOTTEST SHOWS IN JOBURG, INCLUDING A MEET + GREET WITH SOME OF THE CAST!! ***

STAR-STUDDED ALL SA CAST ROCKS MONTECASINO

“Come on feel the noize!” Broadway’s smash hit musical, Rock of Ages is rocking Montecasino’s Teatro until Sunday, 20 October 2019.  This jukebox musical features 28 classic rock songs from the 1980s including hits “Don’t Stop Believing”, “The Final Countdown”, “Here I Go Again” and many more. As the humorous high-energy
storyline unfolds, the audience takes a journey back to a colourful era while singing-a-long to rock anthems that come alive on stage. Rock of Ages is a feel-good stage production where audiences are rocking in their seats at every performance.

“Any way you want it” The extraordinary characters and roller-coaster story that turned Rock of Ages into a global phenomenon are brought to life by a dynamic all-South African cast, band and production team. The star-studded Rock of Ages cast features this
country’s finest talent across the entertainment spectrum including musical theatre, television shows, concerts, movies and recording artists.

Vocalist, producer and “WONDERboom” band frontman, “Cito” (Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess – The Musical, Black Sails) is cast as the male lead playing ‘Stacee Jaxx’ with The Voice SA 2017 runner up, Josh Ansley (Jesus Christ Superstar) in the role of ‘Drew’ and singer, actor, director and producer Zak Hendrikz (Mr Bones 2, Rocky Horror Show) as ‘Lonny’.  Popular actor, writer and award-winning director, Neels Clasen (Mamma Mia!, We Will Rock You, Annie) is cast as ‘Hertz’ and actor and drama lecturer, Matt Counihan  (Jersey Boys, West Side Story, Saturday Night Fever), plays the role of ‘Franz’. Twenty-one-year-old female lead Jessica Driver (Born to Perform, Night with the Stars) plays ‘Sherrie’ and Lois du Plessis (We Will Rock You, Backstage, Jozi Streets ) in the role of ‘Justice’ returns to South Africa after living in the USA for almost twelve years.

Returning from the highly successful CHICAGO The Musical world tour, sees former West End and SA performer Craig Urbani (Sound of Music, West Side Story, Grease), Natasha van der Merwe (Mamma Mia!, Sister Act) and Raquel Munn (Singin’ in the Rain, Saturday Night Fever) in principal roles with fellow CHICAGO cast members Alex Girard and Stefania du Toit joining Lara Kleynhans, and Chantel Stanfield  to complete the female ensemble. Lebohang Toko (Mamma Mia!, The Colour Purple) and Adam Benefeld perform alongside the male ensemble members Thokozani Jiyane, JP Rossouw, Ryan Flynn.

“Hit me with your best shot” Produced by Montecasino in association with VR Theatrical, Rock of Ages combines the highly talented production team of Executive Producer, Jaco Van Rensburg (I Love you, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Hedwig and the
Angry Inch; Here’s to You Simon & Garfunkel Songbook); Director and Choreographer, Timothy Le Roux  (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Colour Purple, Showboat) and Musical Director/Associate Producer, Wessel Odendaal (Jersey Boys, Phantom of the Opera, Fiddler on the Roof) who leads the five-piece live band.
“We are delighted to be co-producing this revamped production of Rock of Ages with Jaco van Rensburg and his expert team,” says Gareth Kaschula, Montecasino’s Marketing Manager. “With South Africa’s finest talent on and off stage, this production is a
feast of comedy, glamour rock, outrageous hairstyles and never-ending guitar solos to bring the 1980’s back to life in the most entertaining way.”

“Here I go again” Nominated for five Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, Rock of Ages captures the iconic era that was the big bad 1980s Hollywood. The nostalgic rock anthems include the music of Bon Jovi, Journey, Twisted Sister, Styx, Poison, Foreigner,
REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar and many other great rock bands – this musical truly is larger than life!

“We built this city” After six years on Broadway, followed by a Las Vegas season and a nation-wide tour of the USA and productions in London, Tokyo, Toronto, Sydney, Mexico City, Panama City, Manila, Malta, Singapore and other territories this smash hit musical guarantees patrons an evening of “High energy feel-good nostalgia” (Sunday Express) and a show that’s “Impossible to resist” (New York Times). “Rock of Ages epitomises Tsogo Sun’s Gaming ethos of providing world class entertainment while investing in the growth and development of local talent,” says Helen Stewart, Director of Marketing, Tsogo Sun Gaming who added, “We are proud to share this production’s milestone,  a ten year Broadway anniversary by bringing nostalgia, memorable hits and a rocking night out at The Teatro.”

“I wanna Rock!” Rock of Ages is a rock ‘n roll romance set on the Sunset Strip in The Bourbon Room, the last epic venue where the legendary Stacee Jaxx returns to the stage and rock-n-roll dreamers line up to turn their fantasies into reality – celebrating a
time.

“Nothin but a good time!” Rock of Ages is a seriously mindless, ridiculously enjoyable glamour-rock musical that is not to be missed! It’s the hilarious book by Chris D’Arienzo that drives the piece. There’s great comedy, stellar performances and great music – all the ingredients of a great night out!

Get your tickets at  www.montecasino.co.za, by calling Computicket on 083 915 8000 or at www.computicket.com

Owing to adult themes, a PG13SL is recommended. 

_____________________________________________________________________________

** YOUR CHANCE TO WIN WITH ROCK OF AGES AND MONTECASINO!**

Win one of two sets of front row double tickets to ROCK OF AGES at Montecasino’s Teatro on Wednesday, 16 October at 8pm plus a meet and greet with some of the cast after the show. 

Here’s how you can enter to be in with a chance to win:

• TELL ME YOUR FAVOURITE SONG FROM THE SHOW
• TAG A FRIEND WHO YOU’D LOVE TO ROCK ALONG WITH AT ROCK OF AGES
• YOU CAN ENTER HERE, ON MY FACEBOOK, TWITTER OR INSTAGRAM PAGES
• THE COMPETITION CLOSES AT 10.00AM ON FRIDAY 11 OCTOBER
• WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY 16.00PM ON FRIDAY 11 OCTOBER

Standard terms and conditions:

1. Tickets are only valid for the specified date and performance time and may not be upgraded, exchanged for cash or for an alternate performance.
2. The prize comprises of two show tickets only.
3. We are unable to assist with bookings for additional tickets which may be purchased direct from Computicket. Tickets alongside prize winners tickets are not available as prize tickets are part of a block booking.
4. Tickets are available for collection from the box office from 5pm on the date of the performance.
5. The prize is not transferable.
6. Lost tickets will not be replaced.
7. By entering this competition the prize winner accepts the terms and conditions.

Chiquita School of Spanish Dancing is reviving their 2018 showcase The Magic of the Movies. The production is in aid of Soweto Animal Rescue and Advisory Centre and will take place on Sunday 13 October 2019 at Cliffview Primary School.

The production highlights the music from the movies. From Titanic to The Peanuts Movie, Kill Bill and Coco, everyone in the family is guaranteed to find a familiar song.

However, the show is not only showcasing Spanish Dance. In addition, Chiquita is collaborating with The Duncan Studio of Celtic Dance and Aliyah Blue: Tribal with a Twist.

All proceeds will go to Soweto Animal Rescue and Advisory Centre and their new hospital.

Based in Parkhurst, Johannesburg, the students of the Chiquita Dance Studio, come from all walks of life; from scholars and students to stay-at-home moms, to those professionals with careers of their own.   They range from young children to grandmothers.  Colleen Crooks ( dance teacher) has the ability to get the best out of her students, even those who are challenged.

 She has a physically challenged dancer and another with only 5% vision in one eye. No-one is denied the opportunity to dance.

This is confirmed by them participating in shows.  They have overcome their challenges.  What inspiration and motivation, this is to us all.

Whatever the dance students’, circumstances or state of mind are when they arrive for their class, whether it be depressed, lonely, despondent, exhausted, they always feel so uplifted by the end of their class,  this is because of the power of dance and the nurturing atmosphere in Colleen’s  dance studio.’

All the dance students are euphoric to be performing for this worthy cause, to raise money to build the Soweto Veterinary Hospital, thus helping Jerry Selwane achieve his goal.

Chiquita School of Spanish Dancing has performed for many other charities, such as: the Childhood Cancer Foundation, San Salvador, Reea Epileptic Home, Avril Elizabeth Home, Marang House, Homac, Salvation Army Boys Home, Sunshine Home and the World Burn Foundation, to name a few.

The Magic of the Movies

Date: 13 October 2019

Times: 13:00 & 17:00

Venue: Cliffview Primary School

Ticket price: R150 Adults, R100 Children under 12 (Available through Quicket).

Tickets also available at the door for R170 (Adults) and R110 (Children).

(Pics provided from last year’s show)

A bit of background on SARAC (Soweto Animal Rescue and Advisory Centre):

Jerry Selwane established SARAC in November 2011. Prior to this he worked for the S.P.C.A for 13 years. He had a great vision for helping animals, and was not able to pursue this passion at the S.P.C.A. and so he decided to create his own organization, funded initially from his own pension.

Jerry’s vision is to educate and change people’s attitude towards animals, by teaching the next generation of the worth of animal care and making them aware of cruelty to those without a voice. Jerry started by walking the streets of Soweto, helping the community with their animals by erecting runners for the dogs on chains, sterilising, treating and arranging kennels for animals in need and in appreciation for his services the community gave him the name “Dr Doolittle”.

Many children have started helping SARAC, they have become the ambassadors for the helpless, and we affectionately call them “Jerry’s Rangers”. They are offered dog behavior courses, so they can train community members on responsible pet
ownership.

Rangers are our eyes and ears, and report any cruelty they see to Jerry. In appreciation for their services, SARAC arranges an annual Christmas party for them and the Top Ten Rangers each gets a trophy and cellphone, all donated by our supporters.

Jerry also offers free training to the young men and women from poor the communities who cannot afford tertiary fees, they are given free training and accommodation.

In 2014 Jerry was alerted to a video of a man who was so horribly bashing a goat and after learning that Authorities were battling to locate and identify the suspect, Jerry took upon himself to investigate the case and it only took him 24 hours to put the goat basher behind bars.

In 2014 Jerry was then nominated South African Hero of the year.

He then proceeded in building relationships with the Magistrates, where he is authorized in terms of the Animal Protection Act.

Jerry then raged a war against dog-fighting syndicates and as a results, he raided and brought the syndicates to book, he then received countless death threats for his efforts.

In 2017, SARAC was nominated for a prestigious Rocci/FNB business of the year award and won gold for community support.

In 2018, Jerry won Top Dog Animal Hero Award for his Bravery in bringing animal abusers to book.

Jerry won SADC 2019 CEO, GLOBAL Country Award and also Pan African Region Award.
SARAC DESPERATELY NEED HELP TO COMPLETE OUR DREAM CLINIC.

We are in desperate need of the following:
1. Plumbing materials
2. Dry walling
3. Tiles
4. 2 X sliding doors
5. Inside doors
6. 4 X Toilet sets
7. Basins
8. Furniture.
9. Building materials ie bricks, sand, cement etc.

We strongly believe that education is the only way to ultimately improve the lives of animals.

Contact Details:
Jerry Selwane : 084 911 9459 jerry@sarac.co.za

SARAC’s Banking Details:
Account Name : Soweto Animal Rescue and Advisory Centre
Bank : Nedbank
Branch : 19810500 (Southdale)
Account Number : 1030387311

SMS Line:
SMS “DONATE SARAC” to 48748. SMSes cost R10.
SMS “DONATE SARAC” to 40580. SMSes cost R20
SMSes cost R10/R20 per sms on all SA networks. Free minutes do not apply.

 

[ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED BY EXTERNAL SOURCE]

There’s nothing quite like starting the day with a heavy dose of inspiration! Yes, tears were shed, but there’s no doubt that everyone at this event today left holding their heads a little higher, knowing that not all the stories told about our country are bad ones!!

Clover has been partnering with CHOC since 2004 when the first CHOC house was established (back then, by Clover Danone). There are now 5 CHOC houses, and with the new initiative launched today, to be run over the next 10 months, there are plans for a 6th!

By the way … did you know that CHOC stands for Childhood Haemotology and Oncology Clinics?

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Get involved by buying Clover Nutrikids products in stores and following the campaign on social media with the hashtag #NutrikidsForCHOC.

Read more about CHOC’s aims here …

On 17 September 2019, midway through Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Clover Nutrikids and CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA announced that they would once again partner up to fundraise for the purchasing and building of a new Clover Nutrikids CHOC House in Port Elizabeth. This will make it the sixth house facilitated and donated to CHOC by Clover over the past few years, as part of a beautiful journey and long term relationship between the two brands.

The various CHOC houses across the country provide a home away from home for families whose children are affected by cancer and need to travel long distances from home to receive treatment.

“Clover has been and is the most amazing partner.  For the past 11 years Clover has supported CHOC. Clover’s extensive generosity over the years has meant that thousands of children, teens and parents who otherwise had nowhere to stay, found a home, care and love at a CHOC House,” says Carl Queiros, CEO at CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA.

In 2018, Clover Nutrikids fundraised and invested close to R2 million into the fifth Clover Nutrikids CHOC House located in Pretoria. The six-bedroom house underwent major renovations to ensure that each area of the house provided maximum benefit to the children receiving treatment as well as the CHOC employees who are vital to the children’s recovery.

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation was established in 1979 by parents of children with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders. The organisation exists to serve and support the children, parents, families and communities through their cancer journey to keep more than hope alive. Having experienced the immense emotional and financial toll that cancer takes, they recognised there is more than one victim in the family of a child with cancer, and they bound together to support each other, children with cancer and their loved ones.

Their aim was to ease the burden on parents and families facing the same journey by providing access to relevant, accurate information, as well as emotional and practical support. CHOC is the only organisation in South Africa that provides comprehensive countrywide support for children with cancer, life-threatening blood disorders and their families. They have a national office in Johannesburg, six regional offices, one branch, and 13 accommodation facilities close to treatment centres. CHOC relies on corporate sponsors such as Clover and donations from groups or individuals wanting to make a difference in the lives of children with cancer.

“CHOC is all about keeping hope alive, and Clover Nutrikids makes life good for moms and way better for kids. With these two brands working together, we believe in creating hope for all children in South Africa affected by cancer.  We will spend the next 10 months partnering with CHOC to help raise much-needed funds through through a portion of our Nutrikids product sales to ensure that this sixth Clover Nutrikids CHOC House becomes a reality,” says Edith Molepo, Brand Group Manager for Nutrikids.

People across South Africa can get involved by purchasing any Nutrikids product which will contribute towards the fundraising and furnishing of the home. The Nutrikids range is made up of Juices, Yoghurts, Ready-To-Drink milk and toddler’s milk powder. A donation from each Nutrikids product sold will be made towards the initiative. The product can be found in any SA retailer.

For the latest project news and updates, connect with Clover Nutrikids and CHOC online:

Clover Nutrikids website:             https://www.clover.co.za/product-category/toddler-range/nutrikids/
Facebook:                                           https://www.facebook.com/CloverNutrikids/
Twitter:                                               https://twitter.com/CloverNutrikids
Instagram:                                          https://www.instagram.com/clovernutrikids/

CHOC website:                                 http://choc.org.za/
Facebook:                                          https://www.facebook.com/CHOCChildhoodCancerFoundationSA/
Twitter:                                                https://twitter.com/CHOCfoundation

BORN TO PERFORM presents SHINE! 2019

Born To Perform founders Gemma and Matthew Marinus recently took some time out from their hectic schedules to chat to me about this year’s exciting, upcoming production, SHINE! MC for the show, popular rising star, Zinah, also joined us.

Born to Perform was born out of the Stageworx school for performing arts. Stageworx is a space where Gemma encourages authenticity at all times. All who attend are taught the importance of respecting themselves, each other and the world around them. She acknowledges though, that today’s kids struggle to communicate directly because of social media. Stageworx uses the arts to guide them in understanding who they are, what they are and where they position themselves in the world as human beings.

Matthew adds that with the kids who study song-writing (these are the ones he predominantly works with), he’s found that there’s a need for them to understand who they are without the ‘outside noise’ of everyone’s opinions.

One of the fundamental principles of Stageworx is to celebrate all people and their successes. There are many doors and many opportunities, and it’s essential for these kids to understand this process and applaud others when a particular opportunity wasn’t theirs.

Gemma firmly believes that it’s their job as teachers and mentors to continually ask how they can handle situations better with young people if you feel you may have handled a difficult situation poorly. Even in conflict, she always tries to give them a learning situation, asking them to “Express how you were feeling …” She feels that if you allow the kids to analyse themselves, they learn how to approach various life situations and by doing so, she’s creating better humans.

I asked Gemma if she’d ever open up another branch of Stageworx? She replies that it’s not on the cards. “Stageworx is a personal experience, which is why there’s only one school.” For her, it’s not about the numbers. It’s about the quality of the experience and the time she gives to the kids. She wouldn’t be able to give her all, like she’s doing now if she had to split herself between more than one school.

She tells me that when she was a teenager, she grabbed every single opportunity to perform. “It takes years of practice to be an overnight success! You need to be ready!” All that experience accumulated, and when the time was right, it all came together. “You need to eat, sleep, breathe the industry and want it enough to do the work!” This is the message that she imparts to every single young person who dreams of a future in any of the performing arts fields.

That passion really goes into Stageworx a full 100% and I couldn’t imagine it being diluted in any way by Gemma opening up somewhere else and trying to replicate it, or relying on someone else to do it for her!

Zinah tells us that she was bullied at school. She always thought that she was a bad person because of this. But she’s come to learn that your own experience can be a learning experience for someone else. She (quite rightly) feels that we’re always so fixated on trying to change people, as opposed to just understanding them. Kids and teens tend to live in their own self-absorbed bubble and aren’t aware that others are going through the same stuff.

Coming out of Women’s Month and a heightened awareness of the horrific increase in crimes against women and children, I had to ask Zinah about her latest music video for her newly released single, ‘Ever Been’. The song is stunning and the video itself is visually slick and stylish, but I was interested to know why Zinah had willingly portrayed herself in such an openly provocative manner. Although she’s clearly absolutely gorgeous, it concerned me that it would send young girls (and men) the wrong message.

Her response is one that all of those who see the video need to hear: Zinah told us that since appearing in last year’s show, she’s had a big shift in how she conducts herself with people. As a product of Stageworx, she had the privilege of seeing that it was run by a strong woman who taught her how to work as a woman in this industry. After years of feeling inhibited and unworthy, she’s now finally comfortable in her own skin and is proud of who she is. She strongly believes that women shouldn’t be objectified, and is ready to own who she is!

Zinah also spoke about being able to work with people she was completely comfortable with and spoke so highly of Matthew and the way in which he guided her every step of the way, ensuring that she was happy with the creative process.

And then she drops a bombshell! She tells us that one of the other reasons she was ready to do a music video like this, ready to own how she looks and put herself out there, showing how truly beautiful she is, was because she was sexually abused when she was seven years old! I think that to say we were all stunned would be an understatement! We were even more shocked to learn that she only told her parents about this three weeks before our meet-up!

Zinah went on to say that it was a huge transition to move from expecting to be disrespected to knowing that you deserve respect because you’re now comfortable in your own skin; knowing that you’ve forgiven that person and have been able to move on. She tells us that it’s healing for herself. She knows she deserves love and deserves NOT to be objectified.

If she can be someone who speaks for positivity and strength on women’s ability to say NO, then she wants to be that person. She quotes Gemma, who often says, “Kindness is key.”

Gemma reminds us that people can be extremely unforgiving when they don’t even know the full story – all they see is a picture of a video.

She says that we’re lucky to live in the world we’re in as women, compared to where we’ve come from with many more women being in high-end corporate positions than there were 10 or 20 years ago. She tells me that her Born To Perform vision -from when they staged their first shown in 2015 – was always to perform on the Teatro stage! And that’s exactly where they’ll be next weekend for just 4 shows from 13 – 15 September. And they’ve had nothing buy support from the ‘powers that be’ at Montecasino.

She goes on to speak in glowing terms about her ‘mentor and voice of reason’, Bryan Schimmel, her producer and creative partner. Although he was overseas with the international tour of ‘Chicago’ for much of the run-up to SHINE! they’ve spoken every single day and he has still been as involved as he would have been, had he been right here! He’s also been Zinah’s mentor since last year.

What can people expect from this year’s production of SHINE!!? A showcase of amazing young talent! 450 spectacular young performers on stage, together with celebrity appearances by The Voice SA Season 2 winner, Craig Lucas and The Voice SA finalist Thembeka Mnguni and a special appearance from The Voice SA Season 3 Finalist, Yahto Kraft.

There will also be moving performances from Buddy Sacks and St Vincents School of the Deaf, and performers from Fourways High School, Mondeor High School, Curro Aurora – Sundowner and New Generation Pantsula Dancers from Alexandra.

SHINE! 2019 is on stage for FOUR SHOWS ONLY at The Teatro at Montecasino:
Friday 13 September at 20h00
Saturday 14 September at 15h00 & 20h00
Sunday 15 September at 15h00.

Tickets range from R180 – R320 and can be booked online at www.montecasino.co.za or through Computicket.

Various Public Group Bookings and Tsogo Sun Rewards Discounts are available through Computicket.

Group School Bookings are available on request by emailing bookings@borntoperform.co.za .

Upon confirmation, Group School Bookings of 20 seats and more will receive the added benefit of a SHINE! Workshop delivered by Born To Perform, at their school.

** A special performance made accessible for the deaf community will be taking place on Saturday 14^th September at the 15h00 performance, with an on-stage signer. 

At this performance, audiences have access to the Opticon system for the hearing impaired. This facility is only available in specific seats within The Teatro, so bookings would need to be made directly with the Teatro Box Office on 011 510 7472. **

Watch the advert for SHINE! 2019: https://youtu.be/RhiF_Jb0WQQ

Follow Born to Perform on Social Media (where you can also catch lots of rehearsal clips!):

Website: www.borntoperform.co.za

Instagram : borntoperform.world

Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/Borntoperformgala

YouTube: Born To Perform TV

 

Montecasino will rock you at the Bohemian Rhapsody Sing-Along Experience

For most of the world, from the first beat of a Queen song nostalgia takes hold, instinct takes over and voices start belting out the lyrics we know and love – ‘We will we will rock you’, ‘We are the champions (no time for losers)’, ‘All we hear is radio ga ga radio goo goo’… and possibly the greatest arena rock song of all time, ‘Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?’ Bohemian Rhapsody.

These and more ultimate sing-along classics will be taking to the giant screen in the comfort of Montecasino’s Teatro (https://www.tsogosun.com/montecasino/entertainment/theatre/teatro) for a four-show ‘raise the roof’ Bohemian Rhapsody Sing-Along Experience (https://www.tsogosun.com/montecasino/whatson/teatro/bohemian-rhapsody-sing-along) on 28, 29 and 30 June. Based on the life Freddie Mercury, the flamboyant lead singer of British rock band Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody won more awards than any other film in this year’s Academy Awards (including Best Motion Picture of the Year and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role), and the Sing-Along Experience takes this blockbuster experience to the next level, delivering an amazing sing-out-loud experience, with concert quality sound.

Sing-alongers are also encouraged to dress up as their best-loved rock star, squeeze on their tight pants, and be the star of the show, with great prizes and giveaways for the best dressed and favourite audience members. To add to the excitement, a live band will perform on stage before the screening to help warm up your vocal chords and get your best singing voice on.

The Sing-Along Experience is the only movie screening where you are encouraged to make noise, lots of it, even if your family insist you only sing in the shower!

It’s a not-to-be-missed event for all rock fans – and seats are limited and unreserved so book early and then arrive early to secure your seats.

Mike Page, Operations Director and Complex GM of Montecasino (https://www.tsogosun.com/montecasino), says, “Queen, Freddie Mercury, and Bohemian Rhapsody were a world-wide phenomenon and the movie reminded us how big their influence in our lives is still today. We know them and their music and the Montecasino Bohemian Rhapsody Sing-Along Experience will deliver an unforgettable event that’s captured perfectly in Queen’s famous lyrics: ‘So don’t stop me now, don’t stop me, ’cause I’m having a good time, having a good time…’.”

Shows are on Friday 28 June at 8pm, Saturday 29 June at 3pm and 8pm, and Sunday 30 June at 3pm. Limited tickets are available through www.quicket.co.za.

For more information go to www.montecasino.co.za, join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/montecasino or follow us on Twitter at @MontecasinoZA.

*** GIVEAWAY ***

I have one set of double tickets to give away for the Sunday show at 15h00!!

Just tell me in the comments what your favourite Queen song is to put yourself in line to win! It’s as simple as that. To increase your chances, enter on Twitter and Instagram too! I’ll be announcing the winner on Friday at 12h00 midday.

Sa’ula pulls the ultimate blindside and sends Paul Smulders home

In a game where scheming, manipulation, strategy and devious tactics are often the order of the day, being a genuinely nice guy doesn’t get you far. Paul Smulders discovered this on last week’s episode of Survivor SA when his Tribe, Sa’ula blindsided him at tribal council and voted to send him home.

Sa’ula haven’t been having the best luck in the game so far. They’ve lost three consecutive challenges, with one of their strongest members, Rob being sent to the Island of Secrets by the winners of the reward and immunity challenge. And if that wasn’t bad enough, while he was there he got the pick of three sealed containers and managed to choose the booby prize which meant that he lost his vote at Tribal Council!

I chatted to Paul and asked how he felt about his short time in the game. My first question was obviously whether he would have played things any differently? He tells me that the truth is this is just the way he is and even though he feels that if he’d spent more time in the game he might have had an opportunity to show more aggression, he’s really an all-round nice guy!

From the beginning he felt that he started off at a disadvantage, being immediately singled out as one of the tribe leaders and sent off to the Island of Secrets meant that he missed out on that initial bonding that inevitably happens in those first hours at camp. Alliances are immediately beginning to form and if you aren’t there, you’re not able to suss out everyone’s game plan. He tells me that from the minute you climb onto those boats to travel to your destination, you have no idea who your game companions are. No talking is allowed and you may be wearing the same coloured buffs, but as we all know, Survivor is a game of surprises. There’s no telling what might happen on arrival – you might be told to drop those buffs and swap colours … who knows? So those introductions made when your team first meets at their own campsite are vital, and he missed out on that.

I was curious to learn about how Paul prepared for his participation on a show like this. He tells me that from the time you apply, it’s ‘game on’! You have no clue when that notification will arrive that you’ve been accepted, so you’d better be ready! Once you’ve clicked ‘send’ on your application, that adrenaline kicks in and it’s ‘go, go, go!’ Paul upped his cardio training. He changed his eating habits and started eating much less so that he’d be used to a much lower calorie intake. He also watched a lot of previous seasons of the show!

But he tells me that those challenges were tough! Tougher than expected? Yes, it sounds that way. He seemed particularly surprised at how tough that very first challenge was! And they take much longer than the condensed versions we see on TV. With the weather conditions often playing a negative role, it was extremely demanding. The fact that the participants were often cold and working on little or no sleep also didn’t help. And remember – there are no creature comforts whatsoever. Paul reminds me that they take virtually nothing with them!

Despite his tribe, Sa’ula, having such a bad run compared to the other two tribes, he thinks they have a lot going for them. Having only seen the first two episodes, just like all of us viewers out there, Paul’s feeling is the Sa’ula dynamic is completely different to the other two tribes which are quite aggressive and confrontational within their groups. Sa’ula seem a lot calmer and there’s a great deal of camaraderie between the players.

And while many observers bemoaned the fact that Paul was far too considerate and generous with his sharing of the immunity idol – famously stating that it was ‘for the team’ – he wants to make it very clear that when he said this, he never meant that this excluded him from claiming it for himself!

Survivor South Africa: Island of Secrets is screened on M-Net every Thursday at 19:00. It will also be available on DStv CatchUp. Fans can visit www.mnet.tv/survivorsa and follow all the breaking news and conversations around the show on Twitter @Survivor_SA / Instagram @Survivor_sa / Facebook withthe official hashtag #SurvivorSA