Season 1
Kniediep in die Warm Water is a South African, Afrikaans-language television sitcom set in the Wonderwaters Spa, an exclusive boutique hotel near Port Elizabeth's beachfront where clients can relax in a calm, restful atmosphere, pampered by highly trained personnel whose sole reason for living is to ensure the client's satisfaction.
The spa is headed up by the ineffective manager Petrus "Swannie" Swanepoel, played by Jacques Gombault. His hiring of staff depends on the best sob story the applicant can dream up, rather than have any particular skill.
His charitable nature lands him in plenty of trouble when it becomes apparent that someone is totally ignorant of the job they're supposed to do.
The cast also includes Chanelle de Jager in the role of Sunet, the receptionist at the spa; and Clara van den Bergh as Netta, the housekeeper who takes no prisoners as she wanders around, checking the towel cupboard and soap store and upsetting everyone she comes across.
Lize-Mari Arthur joins the cast as Darné, the spa owner's daughter who is employed to improve the profit line. She is a failed actress and tries her hardest, but Swannie and her don't see eye to eye.
Heather Baartman is the masseuse Rochelle, a single mom struggling to balance work life with caring for her young son.
She learned her profession on YouTube but is surprisingly good at it. She often has to leave to check on her son at school.
Completing the cast is Benito Carelsen as Eldridge, the personal trainer. He seems to be a nice guy on the surface but has serious anger issues.
Eric Nobbs also appears in the series as Johan Cloete, the owner of the spa.
In the series premiere: While Swannie sweats bullets over the impending arrival of Meneer Cloete, Sunet gives some unsuspecting German tourists a crash course in Die Taal.
Rochelle's unorthodox training threatens to be revealed and Eldridge is distracted by a mysterious beauty.
Their last review on TripAdvisor called Wonderwaters "Chaos at the Seaside". Will they all get fired?
And who parked in Swannie's spot?
Kniediep in die Warm Water was filmed in in Port Elizabeth and produced by Sunshine Coast Studios. The series is based on a play written by Danie Matthee and is produced by Matthee, Colin Ward and Nicola Barbour.
The head writer is Leon Kruger and the director is David Lister. The theme music is by Bronwen Nel and Rooftop Productions.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Jacques Gombault ... Swannie
Chanelle de Jager ... Sunet
Clara Joubert ... Netta (as Clara van den Bergh)
Lize-Mari Arthur ... Darné
Benito Carelsen ... Eldridge
Heather Baartman ... Rochelle
Recurring / Guests
Eric Nobbs ... Johan Cloete
Tiaan Spies ... Giggling Man
Anny Britz ... Woman
Twakkies du Toit ... Herr Lichte
Anelle Zondagh ... Frau Lichte
Jospehine Ketse ... Woman on the Beach
Marie Meurs ... Jessica
Fiks Mahola ... Andile
Danie Matthee ... Antonie
Joy Arthur ... Yoga Class
Chantal Coley ... Yoga Class
Natalie Sharp ... Yoga Class
Anton Steyn ... Arnold
Nicola Barbour ... Cynthia Verster
Earl Swartz ... Zac (as Early 'Early B' Swartz)
Estelle Cunningham ... Lizelle Cloete
Lara Hayward ... Young German Woman
Hyron Booysen ... Joggie
Megan Fisher ... Adele
Len Sember ... German Man
Jurgen Baars ... Second German Man
Marian Baars ... Second German Woman
Ritha Steenkamp ... Yoga Extra
Janet Ablort-Morgan ... Yoga Extra
Edward Allen ... Yoga Extra
Ryan Campher ... John
Amanda Klaas ... Nikiwe
Carel Trichardt ... Gert
Petru Wessels ... Hannetjie
Tanya Marais ... Esti Ross
Audrey van Wyk ... Ronel
Marelise Barnard ... Betta
Marlene Pieterse ... Elsie
Emercia de Lange ... Alta
Zamuxolo Mgoduka ... Chauffeur
Elmar Kapp ... Izak
Jeremy Baylis ... SPA Client
Tonie Koen ... Cameraman
Lavela Meltafa ... Sound Operator
Charlize Visser ... Anakin
Marianah Lourens ... Anakin's Grandmother
Danie Matthee ... Antonie
Brett Morris ... Head Waiter
Nomhle Nkonyeni ... Princess Ndiliswa
Vicky Blandford ... Emma
Darne Claasen ... Karin (Journalist)
Danielle Raymond ... Film Star
Josephine Ketse ... Extra
Tham-Tham Uduojie ... Extra
Regardt van den Bergh ... Dr Hancke
Francois Vienings ... Du Toit