#MancrushMonday: Brendan Van Rhyn
#MancrushMonday Brendan Van Rhyn is Episode 23 in my series dedicated to showcasing some seriously inspiring men that have crossed my path. Previously on my #jaxpirational series I gave the ladies some props, it’s time the men got a shout out!
Meet South Africa’s very own Queen of the skies and Co-Owner of Gate 69 theatre. I so appreciate him taking time out of his busy schedule to chat with me. So without further adieu let me introduce:
Tell us a bit about yourself
Just a regular guy from Pretoria! At least that’s my story… and I’m sticking to it! I’m really just someone who see’s the glass half full as opposed to half empty; someone who loves a challenge, adores the aged and is besotted with any dish made with prawns. In a nutshell, I matriculated at Pretoria Boys High School in 1995, then spent time at St.Christopher School in the UK on a GAP Year, got offered a place at The London School of Musical Theatre in 1997 but returned to SA to complete a 3-year Musical Theatre Diploma at the Tshwane University of Technology in 2000. I travelled the world as a flight attendant for six years after my studies only to return to the entertainment industry permanently at the age of 30.
Cathy Specific
Since then, I’ve spent most of my time as my alter-ego, the seductively saucy Cathy Specific, a character I created during my time with the airline and who has more affectionately become known as South Africa’s ‘Queen of the Skies’. Dressing up has allowed me to travel extensively not only throughout our own country but as far as the Seychelles and Monaco. I have also had the privilege of playing Dr. Frank ‘n Furter in The Rocky Horror Show twice in my career (2008, 2013 – 2015) and won numerous awards for this role as well as a four-year stint with the dinner-cirque spectacular Madame Zingara as their MC extraordinaire. Today I am one of the proud owners of Gate69, a cabaret theatre in the heart of The Mother City (voted the #1 TRIPADVISOR rated Theatre Experience in the Western Cape) and a member of the famous drag troupe, The Trolley Dollies. Life has been colourful, so far. From Bloemfontein to Beijing – it’s First Class all the way!
When and where were you born?
17 November 1977 in Pretoria, South Africa
Where are you living now?
Cape Town, South Africa
What kind of creative are you?
At the moment not very creative, but up until we were told we could not work, it’s been a busy few years. I juggle mainly three things in my life: I’m a co-owner of Gate69, South Africa’s Premier Cabaret Theatre, located in Cape Town’s CBD; a member of The Trolley Dollies, Gate69’s resident thrilling threesome and then my alter-ego, Cathy Specific who has consumed half my head space for 12 years now. What can I say? A boy by day and a girl by night! The best of both worlds. I always say if you go for me you get ‘two for the price of one’!
Name of your brand?
I have three brands: Gate69, Cathy Specific & The Trolley Dollies
How did you discover your calling?
By chance! It was never part of the bigger picture. I always wanted to be a doctor – I thought I had the perfect bedside manner! I had music as a subject till Matric but never wanted to follow a career in the arts. Like boys play sport, I played the piano (in fact, I did both) but furthering my studies in this field after I left school was not an option, or at least it most certainly was, but not one I was willing to take. My stint in the UK gave me a taste of the world of showbiz, but the drag part of it all only made its way into my life at the age of 30.
“men WANT me and women want to BE me!”
Brendan Van Rhyn
PERFECT TIMING! Suddenly my pre-Primary School years came flooding back to me and I vividly remember parading up and down the passage at home in Mom’s gold spray-painted peep-toe heels. I firmly believe it IS my calling. There’s a gift I have when dressed up. I can’t really pinpoint what it is but I know it is there. In a floor-length gown and 6-inch heels, men WANT me and women want to BE me!
What do you love most about what you do?
The fact that I can be myself. No more pretending. I am what I am. To share the stage as a Trolley Dolly with two of my best friends night after night is pure magic. There is also no greater reward than seeing a smile on the face of every single person who visits Gate69. It is a safe space. No pretence. Five minutes in our presence and you are touched mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically, inappropriately, all of the above and not necessarily in that order!
What do you like the least about what you do?
There is even joy in the bad moments, if that is even possible. It’s not all sunshine and roses. Pleasing people on a daily basis will take its toll on anyone. I’ve come to the realisation that it takes ALL kinds to make a world and some people will NEVER be happy. If a man in a dress is not your thing…stay the f..k at home! The hours are also long and when we are in full swing, sleep is an absolute luxury. It also seems as if I am forever learning words!!! At my age, it’s much easier to forget them!
Who or what has been your biggest motivators ?
Building something from nothing has been a huge motivator. When not only the odds were against us, many individuals too thought we would never get our business off the ground. But my three business partners, Christopher Dudgeon (one of the Trolley Dollies), Luanna Shonfeld and Rudi Jansen (also a Trolley Dolly) are my biggest motivators. I also have a very supportive circle of friends and family, my sister Cheryl especially, who want for nothing else but to see me happy and successful.
Have you experienced fear along the way & how did you overcome it?
Oh yes, most certainly. Fear is debilitating. It will stop you dead in your tracks – if you let it. But in each instance I kept telling myself that the light at the end of the tunnel was not an oncoming train but rather a spotlight, so shine baby shine!
What are your greatest achievement/s?
I think in show business, the greatest achievement is to be employed! I have been fortunate to do some very high profile gigs, travel the world, grace the front cover of various magazines, win a few awards along the way and make a living doing what I love. But most importantly, my greatest achievement is not living my dream, but LIVING MY TRUTH.
Who do you thank for your success?
I wouldn’t mind giving myself a pat on the back! There have been many people who have travelled this journey with me and that have supported me hook, line and sinker. To those I will forever be grateful. To those who said I couldn’t do it I am even MORE grateful. They are the secret to my success!
What upcoming projects do you have?
There is a lot on the cards when we can eventually re-open the theatre and get back to work. We hope our audiences are once again hungry for what we have to offer – as the cliched saying goes, “absence makes the heart grow fonder” and at Gate69 there’s always been a whole lotta lovin’! Certain things that were planned for the rest of the year might have to shift around slightly and there will most certainly be a few changes implemented going forward, but all for the better, we are very excited
How are you currently coping with the #Covid19 Crisis?
I’m coping although a bouncing debit order is not the most attractive thing under the sun… Honesty is the best policy so I will by no means deny the fact that I have enjoyed some time off. Opening a new business means blood, sweat and tears, it’s all-consuming, 24/7, there are a lot of sacrifices along the way and the last four years have encompassed all of this. Surprisingly I am not hysterical or frantic. I’m a good, law-abiding citizen sitting, waiting, patiently…. Lockdown has given us the opportunity to think our business forward. To ensure that when we emerge from this nightmare we don’t necessarily work harder but smarter. We still have a lot of magic to spread and we can’t wait to do so!
Any words of encouragement for other male creatives out there?
Don’t dream it, BE it. Know your strengths and stick where you are better acquainted. Always remember, “the sky is NOT the limit”. What comes your way was always meant to be, embrace it and find a way of making it your own.
Where can we stalk you on social media?
Facebook: @brendan Van Rhyn @Cathy Specific
Instagram : @cathyspecific
Twitter: @cathyspecific
Special Thanks to Brendan Van Rhyn for his time and sharing a bit more about himself. Stay tuned for another #MancrushMonday next week!
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