Category Archives: News

We came, we saw, we pillaged.

Vikings, warriors and shield maidens of all ages dressed up and enjoyed a beautiful South African summer’s day experiencing old Viking traditions (and some new ones) at Rusty Hook on the Westrand.
From tug-of-war to Kubb to a Viking quiz, fancy dress competitions and deciding the most majestic Viking beard – guests were treated to a market full of Viking themed crafts and goodies. Floki’s boat yard was open for business as aspiring boat-builders tried their luck at floating their boats on the dam.

The ale and mead flowed freely as The Dahogrian Empire entertained with battles throughout the day.

New highlights included Custard the Albino Reticulated Python and her friends from Dami’s Exotics, which was an absolute fan favourite on the day and Fenris Wulf, who entertained the crowds with their Viking Metal music, bringing a real sense of camaraderie to the even.t

All in aid of sending the  the Juggerknights to Spain in April, to represent South Africa in the Full Contact Medieval Combat World Championships, the Alter Egos team (with the help of very generous sponsors and the enthusiastic public) raised just short of R35 000.00 to send our team overseas. Unfortunately, due to the current world crisis and multiple travel bans, the championships have been put on hold. The fighters will keep the money safe until a new opportunity arises.

Due to the overwhelming response to this event, A Viking Thing will become a biennoal adventure and we look forward to pillaging with you again!

To be kept in the loop about all the exciting Alter Egos events still to come, make sure you follow our Facebook page!

On an alternative time line we explored the dark ages,
One small village held out against the invaders
They knocked at the gates, shield maidens met knights
The timelines crossed over with the village alight.

On June 8, La Vue Guest Lodge in Muldersdrift was transformed into a myriad of mystical, magical and medieval nooks and crannies, crafts and tradesmen. A village of viking proportions took over the beautiful space as people surged through the gates to experience a day back in the dark ages.

The scene was set and the day was filled with unusual activities. From axe throwing and weapon forging to archery and LARPING battles, festival goers were encouraged to get involved in the action. Unicorns were ridden, knights were fought. Turkey legs were consumed, mead was drunk. There was smoke and fire, dancing and revelry.

An array of costumes of the most epic degree made an appearance, with everyone embracing the uniqueness of the day. Adventurers went on a mighty quest, wits were tested in the taverns and grown men shed a tear as the Chilli Chugging Competition threatened to drop even the most vicious of vikings.

Prizes were won to medieval melodies and even a banquet feast
Caber toss, coconut shies, KUBB viking chess and  magnificent beasts.

The 8th annual Medieval Fayre, bought to you by Alter Egos was a resounding success, with shouts of “SKAL!” ringing through the air well into the late afternoon.
Festival goers left with full hearts and fuller bellies, their loot tucked well under their arms, with promises of medieval memories and victorious vikings at the forefront of their mind.

Our noble mission is complete our most beautiful guests, and we have returned to the Moon drenched shores of our beloved planet.
… Sweet Transsexual, Land of Night, to sing and dance once more to the dark refrain.

Frank n Furters, Magentas, Columbias, Riff Raffs and Transylvanians descended on Rusty Hook and took a strange journey alongside our cast and crew as we stepped back in time to 1976 and did the Time Warp again….and again and again……

Everyone embraced the cult-classic, dressing up as their favourite character, the buzz and excitement palpable as they got ready for a night where wearing one’s underwear and throwing food in public is perfectly acceptable and encouraged.

Participation packs included all the necessary props and callbacks to ensure a fully immersive experience, and the fun of the night was fully embraced by the audience. Tables were danced on, rice and toast were thrown, happy birthday was sung and we even got a little wet.

….and crawling on the planet’s face, so insects called the human race….lost in time and lost in space….took selfies, dances their fishnets off, and sang along, paying true homage to the classic film that means so very much to so very many of us!

To find out more about Alter Egos immersive and interactive events follow us on Facebook!

We partied like it was 1398!
La Vue Guest Lodge in Muldersdrift set the scene for some Medieval magic, as festival goers of all ages embarked on a trip back in time.
A time where gallant knights battled for the hands of fair maidens, dragons roamed freely, warriors fought for the highest honours and peasants and royalty mingled among the market space.

We avoided the black plague and muddy conditions and instead enjoyed the festivities under a beautiful South African  spring sky.
With the sound of hoof beats (both of the coconut and real variety) ringing through the air, we danced, we sang, we quizzed, we quested.

Mead, ale, turkey legs and meat on the bone were the staples of the day, with magickal potions adding an extra kick.
Arrows were shot, tomatoes were thrown and insults were hurled – but all in good fun, embracing the madness of the day.

The 7th Annual Medieval Fayre was a joyous occasion. A celebration of history, rivalry, friendships and ‘the good ole days’.

To see photos from this event click here:

It was hydromatic…..it was systematic……it was GREASED LIGHTING!
If alternative experiences is what you want, it certainly is what you get at the Alter Egos Interactive Movie Nights.
On the 4th August 2018, The Rusty Hook was transformed into Frosty’s Diner, complete with milkshakes, burgers and popcorn.

Greasers on every corner, white socks and leather jackets. Poodle skirts and curlers, we went back to the 50’s to sing along and dance to some proper old-school classics.

A first of its kind in South Africa, this unique movie experience saw all the guests receiving a participation pack, which included bandanas, cling-wrap, matchbox cars and combs, to name just a few.

With performers imitating the well known and well loved characters, guests were transported into the movie screen to do the handjive and have some Summer Lovin!

Be sure to follow the Alter Egos Facebook Page for all information on upcoming alternative experiences!

Unicorns, dragons and all magical beasts; Mermaids, griffins and werewolves come feast
At our annual Fantasy Fayre, especially for all that have feathers and fur and claws galore!

Joburg was treated to a rare day full of imagination at La Vue Guest Lodge in Muldersdrift on Saturday 2nd June 2018.
The venue was transformed into The Bestiary for Fantasy Fayre, where all manner of faeries, beasties and characters roamed freely and experienced a fantasy themed market, fancy dress competitions, quests for loot and more.

Elves, fauns and unicorns were abundant, with famous characters such as Little Red Riding Hood and her wolves wandering among the crowd. A rare sighting of the Goat-a-Tron thrilled audiences, along with The Praying Mantis who also walked away with the coveted award of Best Dressed Beastie on the day.

Activity stalls featured options to Fight a real Knight with the Juggerknights (fresh from their international visit to Scone Palace in Scotland where they fought in the IMCF world champs), archery with ShaTranj Archery; calisthenics and beastly capoeira moves with The Colosseum and Gladiator athletes – and unicorn rides for little princes and princesses with Chikara Stables.
Feathers & Scales introduced enquiring minds into the lives of owls and snakes and forging was on display by Cross Forge.

Another superbly unique day from the team at Alter Egos – Meryl Rosenberg and Dayle Mallinson. Offering alternative experiences, the second annual Jhb Fantasy Fayre was certainly one for the (story) books.

For more information on the alternative experiences offered by Alter Egos, follow their Facebook Page

On the 28th of April 2018, La Vue Lodge in Mulderdrift became a little flatter underfoot as the Alter Egos team transformed the venue into Sir Terry Pratchett’s Discworld.

Celebrated on Sir Terry’s birthday – witches, wizards, the undead (and the aten’t dead) all made magical appearances amongst some well loved Pratchett characters.

The day started off with young (and old) adventurers seeking their fortune in The Ankh-Morpork Adventure, which saw them signing up for The Watch with Captain Carrot and Colon, discussing life’s simple pleasures with Cohen the Barbarian and exploring the streets of Ankh-Morpork, haggling with cunning artificers and taking in their wares. If they behaved correctly, Foul Ole Ron shared some of his smell, all whilst The Patrician oversaw proceedings.

The man himself, STP made himself comfy under the Sapient Pearwood tree and read some popular stories to listeners of all ages, in between the challenging task of judging the Discworld Dressup competitions.
Creativity reigned supreme, proving the choice of Best Costume to be a difficult one across all categories.

The people of The Discworld were treated to Rat-Onna-Stick; bought ‘Sausage Inna Bun’ from Cut Me Own Throat Dibbler, and drank Lancre Scumble with the mead merchants.

In the Mended Drum Quiz, wits were tested, skills were tried.
To add to the joviality of the day, Nanny Ogg, with her sister-witches Magrat and Granny Weatherwax looking on in disapproval, serenaded those in the Mended Drum with rambunctious renditions of a Wizard has a Staff and The HedgeHog song. If the singing was not for you, you could battle a Feegle!

And the day ended as a proper birthday party should, with a beautiful birthday cake giveaway and all the loot being distributed.

It was a celebration worthy of a legend, and Sir Terry Pratchett’s legend lived on in all of us. His spirit could be felt, especially as we were left with his famous words….

“No-one is actually dead until the ripples they caused in the world die away”
~ STP (Reaper Man)

La Vue Guest Lodge in Mulderdrift became a Viking village on the 3rd of March 2018.

We came, we saw, we pillaged.

Vikings of all ages dressed up and enjoyed a beautiful South African summer’s day experiencing old Viking traditions (and some new ones). From tug-of-war to Kubb to a Viking quiz, fancy dress competitions and deciding the most majestic Viking beard – guests were treated to a market full of Viking themed crafts and goodies.

The ale and mead flowed freely, turkey legs and massive eisbeins kept raiders nourished for their Viking Quest.
The Dahogrian Empire entertained with battles throughout the day, whilst Trad -Music of the Isles set the scene with their idyllic and authentic tunes.

All in aid of sending the Medieval Fight Club and the Juggerknights to Scotland in May, to represent South Africa in the Full Contact Medieval Combat World Championships, the Alter Egos team (with the help of very generous sponsors and the enthusiastic public) raised just short of R50 000.00 to send our team overseas.

Due to the overwhelming response to this event, A Viking Thing will become a biennial adventure and we look forward to pillaging with you again!

To be kept in the loop about all the exciting Alter Egos events still to come, make sure you follow our Facebook page!