M-Net has announced an ensemble line-up of local talent for its Sunday night family drama series Summertide — set to air in late January 2024. This first-of-its-kind 52-episode multi-generational drama will take the channel’s prized 18:00 Sunday slot, with a storyline set to explore the profound depths of grief and the transformative power of love.
Headlining the production will be Frank Rautenbach as a charismatic marine biologist called Martin Field. Rautenbach is known for his powerful performances in films like The Bang Bang Club and Hansie: A True Story. He also has stellar TV drama performances under his belt — he's appeared in popular kykNET soap opera Suidooster and as Jason Hugo in M-Net’s lauded Lioness. “I’m over the moon! I love telling stories, especially stories about families. Summertide is the perfect vehicle to do that,” Frank says about being in the series.
Adding an intriguing layer of romantic complexity to the plot is SATFA-nominated actress Monique Rockman, known for her riveting performances in Suidooster, Die Spreeus, Binnelanders, and the critically acclaimed eco-horror film Gaia, for which she was nominated as Best Actress in a Feature Film at the 2023 SAFTAs. Rockman will play Rebecca, a renowned Michelin star chef and Martin's former flame.
Also on the cast list are veteran stage and screen actors Andre Jacobs and Terry Norton, lending their remarkable talents to portray Martin’s parents, Jack and Wilma Field. Norton is best known for her role as Trish Greeff in iconic soapie Egoli. She’s acted in more than 33 films and 22 TV series and has won three Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards for Best Actress. Jacobs is similarly experienced in film, TV, and theatre and has starred in the likes of Invictus, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, The Mauritanian, and Hammarskjöld. He’s been nominated for a Fleur Du Cap Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Starring as Martin’s children Tristan and Lucy will be Jan Combrink and Evangelina Hallock, respectively. Combrink has starred in the critically acclaimed Oliver Hermanus film Moffie and the young Hallock has a string of theatre and TV ad performances under her belt.
Tyrone Keogh, star of M-Net's soap opera The Wild and more recent drama Still Breathing, contributes his talents by stepping into the shoes of Martin's brother, Gavin. Keogh also starred in The Girl from St. Agnes, Blood Diamond, and 24 Hours to Live.
Starring as Martin’s late wife, Julia Field, will be Amalia Uys, known for her roles in Desert Rose, Sy Klink Soos Lente, and Sink.
Other talented additions include Ntombi Makhutshi (Cold Harbour, Disgrace), who will also be appearing in M-Net’s upcoming crime thriller Devil’s Peak. Cassiel Eatock-Winnik (Kite, The Dark Tower), Euodia Samson (Arendsvlei), Maurice Carpede (Chappie), and Morné Visser (Dis Ek, Anna) also star.
Produced by Red Letter Day Pictures – the hit-making production house behind award-winning entertainment such as Alles Malan and Vaselinetjie – Summertide will form part of M-Net’s long tradition of bringing beloved South African shows to their viewers.
M-Net (DStv channel 101), the home of entertainment. Summertide will air every Sunday at 18:00 from January next year. All shows will be live-streamed on DStv Stream and are available on DStv Catch Up. Join the conversation on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok using #SummertideSA.
About the show
Summertide tells the story of marine biologist and father of two children, Martin Field, who moves to the False Bay area to get away from a big secret – the death of his wife. There he starts a marine conservation trust for False Bay – but life isn’t as simple as it seems.
The series explores the lives of the Field family and the interesting characters who cross their paths – each one with their own secrets and desires. We also meet Martin’s parents, Wilma and Jack Field, a retired naval commander who runs his household like a military operation.
Martin’s children Tristan and Lucy must cope with the loss of a parent and moving to a new town on top of the usual stresses of high school. Martin’s younger brother Gavin Field is a retired pro surfer who’s running a small custom surfboard business and lives a carefree life of promiscuity.
Rebecca Solomons worked as a famous Michelin star chef in New York. She’s currently dating Gavin, but was also Martin’s first love …