Shannon Rice Stand Up Comedy & Open Mic Competition Winner!

Congratulations to our winner Shannon Rice!

Shannon Joe Dirt Rice (on facebook) delivered a brilliant set at the Stand Up Guys Open Mic Competition last night, taking the title from the equally funny Venessa Morton, followed closely on points was Jason Govender - a novice - who blew us away with his unique angle and dry humour!

Arno Els and I had a 'Strum off" where we faced off against each other on guitar - Arno had the audience in stitches with 'Bunnies are Arseholes' while I set a world record as the first pink-haired lady to play a guitar with 385 stickers on it, with a mic stand made of 100% indian/coloured man (Rowin Munsamy was an AWESOME mic stand) and a music stand made out of 100% Mark Young. I sang 'O Mio Babbino Caro' and the winner was Arno Els! Next time buddy.............

Don't miss next months Late Night Comedy! Two fridays in a row - last friday of the month: What Kind? Improv Show and the first friday of the month: Stand Up Guys & Open Mic Competition.


Regards,

Sandy Bigara
www.sandybigara.com

TONIGHT special offer Late Night Comedy Stand Up Guys & Open Mic Competition

We're sure you know by now that we LOVE giveaways! So here's our latest special:

Email "Me Please" together with your "name and phone number" (to confirm attendance) to pr@catalinatheatre.com and when you buy 4 or more tickets to our Late Night Comedy show TONIGHT, you will receive 2 tickets for FREE. This offer is limited so get going!

Our line-up guarantees to entertain and entice all audiences, so if you're looking to share some laughs with a group of friends, or a way of entertaining your little ones these school holidays, Catalina Theatre is the place for you!

Don't forget the excitement is building up for our 'Durban Children's Theatre Festival' which is set to start this coming Monday, so be sure not to miss out!

For more information about what's going on at the theatre visit: www.catalinatheatre.com
Queries: 031 837 5999 (9am - 4pm)

LATE NIGHT COMEDY
Date: 03 October 2014
Time:10pm - 11:30pm
Price: R80

The "Stand Up Guys & Open Mic Competition" provides a welcoming platform for our local comedians, as well as hosting a competition for up-and-coming comedians. A cash prize for the best "Open Mic" PLUS a prize for the best of the 3 "Stand Up Guy" comics.

Bookings: Book for this show online at Computicket or visit any Shoprite or Checkers store. Tickets can also be purchased on the night at box office, which opens two hours prior to the show, should seats still be available.

THE DURBAN CHILDREN'S THEATRE FESTIVAL
Date: 06 - 11 October 2014
Time: 10am, 12noon, 2pm, 4pm (depends on the show)
Price: R60

Catalina Unlimited makes time for the little ones these holidays, playing host to an array of productions, artists and workshops, aimed at children, when we launch our 'Durban Children's Theatre Festival'. The line-up features some of Durban's finest Production houses doing their best to keep theatre alive by developing the imaginations of our future theatre makers and audiences.

Bookings: Book for this show online at Computicket or visit any Shoprite or Checkers store. Tickets can also be purchased on the night at box office, which opens two hours prior to the show, should seats still be available.

Regards,

Sandy Bigara
www.sandybigara.com

Stand Up Comedy Competition, A Novel Idea Open Day & Durban Children’s Theatre Festival

Stand Up Comedy Competition, A Novel Idea Open Day & Durban Children’s Theatre Festival

I had two surprises this week, the first surprise was a bit of a nasty one: my Zulu Love Song Uthando Lwakho had been ripped from my Reverbnation page and was for sale, or for free mp3 download, all over the web – not ayoba mense. I was so shocked I nearly cried. The thought that someone is selling my song after they have stolen it – is too much for me… the second surprise was a nicer one, I found out that I am now at #3 in South Africa on the Singer Songwriter charts! I have worked so hard to push myself further – so I’m really pleased. As far as Durban and the Arts are concerned…  This coming month is going to be incredible! In. Credible. There is so much happening in Durban – especially on the Theatre scene, so glad to be a part of it all!

LATE NIGHT COMEDY: STAND UP GUYS & OPEN MIC COMPETITION

First up, we have the monthly Late Night Comedy: Stand Up Guys & Open Mic Competition where we meet up at The Catalina Theatre on Wilson’s Wharf (There is a meal & show option with John Dory’s downstairs) Our resident comedians, Arno Els, Mark Young & Rowin Munsamy will battle it out for the monthly prize, followed by the winner of September’s Open Mic Venessa Morton.  The show is hosted by myself, afterwards our Open Mic challengers step up to face the heat – the winner takes home a cash prize and the title of Newbie – they also get a paid slot the following month.

Gorgeous, aren't we?

I met up with Venessa Morton at the Catalina to find out more about this funny lady who totally blew us away last month!

Q

Thanks so much for joining me here today Venessa, I just want to ask a few questions so that our readers can get to know you a little better! So, where are you from?
A

I’m a Durban girl, I’m a single mom so I have moved around a lot, we’ve moved almost every year! – Morningside, Pinetown, Westville, Hillcrest… and other places, depending on where I was working. I just adore Morningside though!

Q

Now tell me, why do you love Morningside?
A

Ah, you know, it’s central, it has such a nice vibe… not so icky… although… I do live in a block of flats next to a brothel - but it's a nice brothel! (I laugh my head off, she continues) I honestly thought it was a backpackers... it took a month for me to work it out. You know, only men were ‘staying’ there, and not staying very long. (laughs) but yeah, it’s not a ‘tacky’ brothel so,… there’s that.

Q

Have you always been so independent?

A

Well, you know I am a single mom, I was 18 when I left home…  I went to Berea Girls High in the 80's, and studied Speech and Drama at School – it was my dream but I just never found my niche. I then spent 1 year at Natal Tech doing Drama, but then dropped out to move to j Jo’burg and my studies fell away… I then lived in Knysna with Hippies, and Rastas... Met my then partner (A Rasta) and had my gorgeous daughter. My daughter and I returned to Durbs for the next 18 years... which brings us to 2014. 

Catalina GM Francis Doherty-Bigara with Open Mic Winner Venessa Morton

Thanks to John Dorys for sponsoring our prize.

Q

How did you know that you were meant to make people laugh?

A

I was always involved in Skits and Dress-up within the Church that I attended for a while, it really brought out my comedy roots and revived my love of comedy. I had a recurring vision where I saw myself as a Patch Adams, the clown, but wasn't able to step into it. The timing wasn’t right. Then in 2013 I did Comediology Open Mic competition and came in 2nd. I met Glen Bo and through Glen I met Jem Atkins (On Fire Comedy). I’ve done open mic with Glen and Jem. I really hope to step into MCing events, earn a good living making people laugh... Theatre where possible... it would be a realisation of a dream.

A NOVEL IDEA OPEN DAY

A Novel Idea situated at 157 Rodger Sishi rd / Blair Atholl rd (Click here for the map), is a charming little shop that far exceeds your expectations. Filled with well thought out nooks and crannies fit to bursting with interesting books, crafted antiques and more you are lulled into a sense of timelessness as you browse to the gentle ticking of their stunning clock collection.

www.facebook.com/anovelideabooksandantiques

This Saturday 4^th October from 2pm, there will be a line-up of activities and demonstrations throughout the afternoon until 8pm. I am excited to announce that I will be showcasing my Classical Album there where it will be for sale for R100, I will be performing a selection of songs from the album – visit my Reverbnation account to hear some of my work.

www.facebook.com/anovelideabooksandantiques

Tamsyn Allison, the shop runner/mother/manager/doesn’t-like-to-be-labelled/super-woman is dedicated to providing a platform for local crafters, artists, musicians, poets and even salsa dancers within her shop. This is a venture worth supporting, as this venture in turn, supports us.

www.facebook.com/anovelideabooksandantiques

Here is a letter I received from Tamsyn – it gives you an idea of what to expect on Saturday :)

“I could not possibly be more excited!
The launch event has come together beautifully.

We are sponsoring a carwash with Hope House Volunteers to raise awareness of this incredible organisation (link in comments), Samantha Naidoo with be science-ing the place up for the kids (totally just for the kids), and my very, very tall bestie-for-like-ever Jhodah Lloyd van Straaten will be prancing around on stilts.
Erica Kietzmann Kennedy-Smith is launching her beautiful first book and I'm dry-mouthed with anticipation over the cake that Tammy Cheyne is making us. There will be face painting and a live portrait artist too. 
13 year old Amy Wortmann is launching her book Tears of the Dragon too, just before maestro John Ellis joins us for an unplugged set. Irene Emanuel will then launch her latest anthology and kick off an Open Mic Poetry set that should give you a brief glimpse of what the LiPS (started 20 years ago by the inimitable Ursula Van Lelyveld) are up to. 
Then we will have a Free Salsa Dance Class & and demo by SabrosaSalsa with Gillian & Keith. 
The evening starts to wind down with Sandy Bigara's latest album, A Night to Remember (I've heard it, it's beautiful), and if anyone is still keen to keep the evening going, we'll have a few Open Mic comedy slots available.
Photography at the event will be provided by Nikita Niko Padayachi and Catherine Basson Photography, and the MC keeping everyone on their toes is my go-to guy for absolutely all entertainment in this town: Noel Johnson.

If any of you know any media who are looking for amazing local content, this is the place to send them.”

The DURBAN CHILDRENS THEATRE FESTIVAL: ZAP & BUTTONS

From the 6^th until the 11^th October, the Catalina Theatre is bringing us the Durban Children’s Theatre Festival! Crammed to the brim with Child-friendly Theatre fare, this is not to be missed!

Click on this COMPUTICKET link to see the shows on offer!

I am thrilled that my funny edu-tainment show Zap & Buttons will be a part of the festival! I’ll be singing and dancing too so come along and say hi!  My show is suitable for the whole family – activities for the children and loads of good solid humour for the adults to enjoy.

“Join Zap & Buttons in this show about fitness, health and nutrition. This funny and heartwarming story written by local Performing Artist Sandy Bigara, toured to over 50,000 children all across KZN in 2010! Zap the Exercise Fairy and her 'bestie' Buttons the Fashion Cat join forces to turn a lazy boy named Junk into a Fitness Star! With loads of help from the young (and old) audience members - this informative show is crammed full of participation, using song, dance and games - Junk will learn to look after his body, and be fit and healthy!”

The Festival Program:

Monday 6 Oct:
9:30am Workshop
12noon Launch
2pm Fantastical Flea Circus Returns
4pm Zap and Buttons

Tuesday 7 Oct:
10am Pot of Stories
12noon Zap and Buttons
2pm Fantastical Flea Circus
4pm Ntswaki's Adventure

Wednesday 8 Oct:
10am Ntswaki's Story
12noon uMTHAKATI
2pm Zap and Buttons
4pm Fantastical Flea Circus

Thursday 9 Oct:
10am uMTHAKATI
12noon Fantastical Flea Circus
2pm Ntswaki's Adventure
4pm Zap and Buttons

Friday 10 Oct:
10am Fantastical Flea Circus
12noon  uMTHAKATI
2pm Zap and Buttons
4pm Pot of Stories

Saturday 11 Oct:
10am Pot of Stories
12noon Fantastical Flea Circus
2pm Zap and Buttons
4pm Ntswaki's Adventure

Upcoming Events this weekend worth noting:

ZACKS WINDERMERE LIVE MUSIC HOSTED BY STEVE FATAAR | Friday 29^th August | 7:30pm \ Free Entry order your meal off menu | bookings: 031 – 3120755 | Secure parking |

STAND UP GUYS & OPEN MIC COMPETITION | Friday 3^rd October | 10pm | R80pp | booking on Computicket | At Durban's own Catalina Theatre, 18 Boatman's way, Wilson's Wharf! 180' harbour views, restaurants below the theatre, safe parking. 18+ -  Sandy Bigara, Rowin Munsamy, Mark Young, Arno Els & Venessa Morton. http://online.computicket.com/web/event/late_night_comedy

A NOVEL IDEA | Saturday 4^th October | 2pm – 8pm | no booking – free entry | 157 Rodger Sishi rd / Blair Atholl rd. Secure parking off road. Cash or Card machine for any purchases.

ZAP & BUTTONS | (6th October 4pm – 7^th at 12noon) – (8^th at 2pm) – (9^th at 4pm) – (10^th at 2pm) – (11^th at 2pm) | R60pp | booking on Computicket | At Durban's own Catalina Theatre, 18 Boatman's way, Wilson's Wharf! 180' harbour views, restaurants below the theatre, safe parking. Starring: Sashin Kandhai, Chanel Meager and Kamini Govender. Directed by Sandy Bigara.

IDOLS SA | We are #TeamKD vote #6 all the way! Kyle Deutshmann

Take care everyone!

Sandy Bigara 

Creepy German Kids Show

I have found something so ... ugh. 

Just watch it: CREEPY KID SHOW 

Register as an Organ Donor

I have just registered as an Organ Donor, thanks to a link shared by Alison McCutcheon of http://rainbowexperientialmarketing.com/ it was incredibly simple to do, just follow the link below and fill in the form.

http://facebook.odf.org.za/

What follows, is a genuine plea for financial assistance, you can either sign up for a small monthly contribution (or a large one if you are awesome like that) or click 'I am not comfortable' with the idea:

"The (administrative) cost for one person to sign up as an organ donor is R125.00. From April 2011 to April 2012 over 20 000 people registered as organ donors at a cost of over R2.5 million.

Sadly every year fewer transplants are performed in South Africa and the demand for organs are getting bigger every day. The Organ Donor Foundation needs you to share in our passion to help thousands of individuals and their many family members who unnecessarily suffers. A monthly debit order donation will help us to step up our effort of awareness and education that urgently needs to be taken to a higher level.

You can decide on a monthly amount that is easy for you to afford. Kindly say yes below. A form will appear that you must please complete. We will then process your debit order and send you the necessary documentation to finalize."

When you consider the amount of lives that can be transformed by this one simple decision, the decision to donate organs becomes... Even simpler.

Visit http://www.odf.org.za/ to find out even more.

Have a wonderful day xx
Regards,

Sandy Bigara
www.sandybigara.com

VIDEO Prince Ea on Why He Think This World Should End

Wow. Just Wow. 

This video left me speechless. 

Follow Prince Ea here on Facebook. 

Child Abuse Videos on Facebook

What is this new trend of posting videos of adults beating up children?

Are there any repercussions like real-life prosecution/jail time? Or is the perp still out there hitting up small children?

I feel that it is a potential breeding ground for attention seekers to 'make' these videos in the hopes of them going viral. Be careful guys, ask yourself "by posting this video, am I assisting in the capture of this child abuser, or am I only assisting in creating a 'viral' video and causing stress and anger amongst my peers?" If the face of the perp is not clear, if they could be 'just anyone' then the video is next to useless and the content is just there to cause distress and 'share' clicking.

As a survivor of Psychological child/teen abuse, these videos are a trigger for me (and countless others), and seeing these videos without warning in my newsfeed causes me (and others) grief, anxiety attacks and panic attacks.

Just think twice before hitting the 'share' button... Please?
Regards,

Sandy Bigara
www.sandybigara.com

Joan Rivers dies at age 81

My condolences to the Rivers family and friends.

Although Joan may have offended people recently regarding the fighting in Gaza - I think that we can all give her a measure of grace, at 81 years of age most of our loved ones have retired and are 'out of the limelight'

A long and fun filled life.

RIP Joan Rivers xx

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/09/04/showbiz/joan-rivers-dead/

Regards,

Sandy Bigara
www.sandybigara.com

FAMILY Ballet Boys

Today one of my Music & Drama pupils, a 5 year old boy, marched to his seat and sat down with his arms folded. The dance music had changed from african rhythm to a very gaelic flowing lilt.

"I'm not dancing to this. It's sissy music. I'm not doing ballerina stuff to this. No way. I'm not a sissy ballerina I'm a BOY."

I felt that the root of his comment and behaviour were rooted in fear of 'Daddy Displeasure' and not from his own point of view. So I said to him:

"My boy, you're too small to know this but. Boy Ballet Dancers are INCREDIBLY tough, they are so fit - their muscles are huuuuge! They can lift girls up high in the air, and when they jump - they can jump right over your head - they move fast and they can flip right over in the air like Spiderman! They are SO strong. Stronger than your DAD!"

He thought about that. Stood slowly, his arms started to float... And he moved away gracefully, spinning and jumping with his arms stretched out.

Softness and Grace is NOT a Weakness. Men, raise your boys with this understanding.
Regards,

Sandy Bigara
www.sandybigara.com

Hardware Stores & Women

Hardware Stores

Why is it, that Salesmen inside Hardware Stores find it so difficult dealing with female customers who know what they want?

In my entire experience as a Director I have only met TWO Salesmen who treated me as an equal, as someone with a brain, as an adult. One of them I've never seen again, the other STILL makes his way across the entire store to welcome my husband and I, enquire after our work/children/lives. He has worked at two different stores in two different areas.

Do you know that through that salesman alone my husband and I have spent tens of thousands on our home (in 2006/2007) and thousands for my show props and sets since 2011.

Just shows you.

Be nice to the girls, they can be good customers too.

Ya know.
Regards,

Sandy Bigara
www.sandybigara.com