Showville is a South African reality competition series based on an international format which travels to small towns in search of variety acts, who compete against each other for a cash prize and the bragging rights of being a big fish in a small pond.
The series brings the glamour and glitz of television to the small, remote and often overlooked dorpies across South Africa, offering ordinary citizens their 15 minutes of fame as they showcase their talents in front of the camera.
Hosted by Rob van Vuuren and Bontle Modiselle (Season 1) and Lorcia Cooper and Morena Sefatsa (Season 2), the series travels to small towns for a three-day audition.
On Day One, the presenters host open auditions. Performers of all types are welcome to strut their stuff and share their stories. At the end of the day, the hosts select the four acts they feel will put on the best show for the town. These are The Finalists.
On Day Two, coaches begin their mentorship of each finalist in preparation for the big show, in between juggling their real jobs, their families and their nerves.
Day Three brings the final competition, presented at a well-known town venue in front of a live, local audience. Now it's all up to the performers' fellow citizenry - including friends, family, co-workers and neighbours – to choose the winning performer.
The winner receives R10,000 and a glittering trophy signifying that they are the town's favourite act.
Showville is based on a format by Sony Pictures Television and is produced locally by Okuhle Media and Cooked in Africa Films. The executive producers are Louise McClelland, Wilna van Schalkwyk and Peter Gird. The director is Terry Westby-Nunn.