"Showville" is an international format show by Sony. It is based on the concept of exploring different towns around South Africa in search of all kinds of talent through public auditions. Two presenters, who also act as judges during the auditions, shortlist the contestants down to four finalists and then coach them during rehearsals in preparation of the final show where the town folks vote for the best act. The winner takes home R10 000 and the show moves on to the next town.
South Africa's "Showville" is currently in its second season which started on Saturday (6 February). It first premiered on our screens on the 7th of November 2015. The show is presented by Bontle Modiselle and Rob Van Vuuren.
Usually with similar shows, we witness a panel of four to five judges with a broad selection of expertise and vast experience in their fields. Bontle Modeselle is a professional dancer and actress while Rob is an established comedian and actor. This gives them enough skills to cover almost every aspect of the entertainment industry, taking away any fear that only two judges during the audition process would be fair on the contestants. Even through the hosts create a strong front, the show on the other hand, is like a poor man's version of "SA's Got Talent".
Production design only covers the bare minimum and the lighting and grading of the whole show gives it an olden sixties feel. For a moment it felt as though I was watching a re-run of an old show rather than a brand new production. The entire thing is just so armature, to be honest. The final showcase is like a high school theatre night and the gigantic shiny, gold trophy that the winner receives makes it even worse.
However, I do enjoy and admire the relationship that the judges/presenters establish with the contestants during rehearsals. They give them valid input, not only in preparing for the finals, but also in improving their skills and talent in the long run. Bontle was like a big sister to both her contestants in the first episode of the second season and watching her with Brenada was adorable. Even so, seeing some of the greatly talented contestants perform during the show, I couldn't help but feel that they deserved to be in a better talent show such as "Idols", "The Voice" or even "SA's Got Talent".
"Showville" is running on a great concept, I am just not too sure about the execution of it. It comes off lacking in so many aspects and I couldn't help but switch to SABC 1 for "The Real Goboza" in between the show. Definitely, not the best show to spend your Saturday night watching.
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