Cooking up a comedy storm
There are no pots or pans, but you’ll have a belly full of laughter thanks to Red Cake Not The Cooking Show.
Red Cake Not The Cooking Show Season 1 Fridays SABC2 (*192) 19:00
Looking for Friday-night viewing for the family? That’s oddly titled lifestyle show Red Cake Not The Cooking Show (2017- current), hosted by comedienne Tumi Morake (Persistence in sitcom Askies, 2009) and Alan Committie (Johan van der Watt in Laugh Out Load – M-Net and Mzansi Magic, 2005-2008). tvplus was on set during rehearsals and filming to get a closer look at the laugh-a-minute series…
PREP, PREP & PREP
The studio audience – enthusiastic, nattering ladies – are gathered outside the Victory Theatre in Jozi’s posh Houghton suburb at 09:00. The team at Clive Morris Productions have planned the two episodes that will be filmed down to the last detail and director Khayelihle Dominic “Dom” Gumede is co-ordinating chaos around the set. Meanwhile, music maestro Zwai Bala suits up from a pair of shorts to a snappy outfit before rehearsing riffs with the show’s houseband.
STAR POWER
While Tumi and Alan are prepping, the audience are given their cues on when to applaud and when to laugh. At the same time, there’s a little impromptu performance from episode 4’s guests (which should air on Friday 3 March) – J’Something, the frontman from local pop group MiCasa, and Smash Afrika, host of YFM’s breakfast show #SmashandGrab. Later that afternoon, “kaptein of Afrikaans pop music” Kurt Darren pops in to tape for episode 5 (airing Friday 10 March) and he’s joined by multi-talented hottie Chris Jaftha, a continuity presenter from lifestyle show Top Billing (1996- current). On top of the interviews, there are also regular games that will feature in each episode, ranging from general knowledge and sing-a-longs to miming and a guessing game called Manga Manga.
ENERGY & SUPERB BALANCE
“Tumi and I share the same energy and play well off each other,” says Alan during a short break in filming. It’s not their first time sharing duties either – the pair were on stage together at the Cape Town Funny Festival In London in 2014/2015. Moving back to TV has given Alan a new spring in his step and he’s a fan of the Red Cake concept. “It’s cleverly compiled and boasts great guests who’ll appeal to a wide audience,” he says. And Tumi agrees – “It’s a scream and I have to be on my toes all the time. I feel a bit schizophrenic when the director talks in my ear and the guests talk to me at the same time.”
After filming a few episodes, Tumi says that she’s got a newfound appreciation for South African’s playfulness. “I also gathered that I’m better at listening than talking [Laughs]”. Dom meanwhile says that the format has been a little tricky to play with. “It’s this delicate balancing to ensure all the elements enjoy screen time,” he explains. “The hosts are big personalities and combined with Zwai’s band, the games and interviews, it needs careful technical choreography to ensure seamless blending.”
ALL IN A NAME
Executive producer Sipho Gogotya explains the show’s title: “It’s a wellknown treat to anyone from the township. It’s just called ‘red cake’ and it’s usually found at spaza shops. Red cake is made from the baker’s off- cuts from the day that are too good to throw away, like a mixture of all the best cakes rolled into a single, delicious serving of chocolate, vanilla, red velvet and anything else that’s on offer and it’s dyed an eye- catching red. It’s a mix and it’s irresistible and popular – just like the show [Laughs.”