Get ready to be entertained with Matthew Cook
Silverstar has announced the appointment of Matthew Cook as its new complex events manager.
Silverstar Casino has announced the appointment of Matthew Cook as its new complex events manager.
“If you are passionate about what you do and in an environment where there’s possibility you don’t really need sleep, you just take time to dream. This is what gets me up every morning – possibility and passion,” says Matthew.
“I started in this industry at the age of eight when I performed magic. By the time I was 14, I was performing at corporate events. This led to my purchasing a small events agency after completing my schooling.”
Despite having minimal knowledge of how to run a business he was fortunate that when he closed his business he joined an agency where he met Lesley Wells, a businesswoman who inspired him and provided him with an opportunity to work on events globally.
He worked at Gold Reef City, also part of the Tsogo Sun group when the Lyric Theatre was being built in 2007. Matthew was the production manager of the legendary Broadway musical Hairspray. After this he returned to the Mother City but the allure of the City of Gold beckoned and Matthew soon returned to Gold Reef City to work on a contractual basis for six months, but ended up staying and handing the Mind and Mood portfolio, events in the Theme Park and all the entertainment.
“I decided to make a move to Silverstar as I saw the potential that not only the new development but the West Rand as a whole offered. The diversity of the growing population in the area and commercial developments mean that as a venue we will be able to expand our product offering to the various sectors of the market. While I can’t give away too much information, I will say that Silverstar will be hosting a greater variety of high-calibre shows,” Matthew says.
When asked about the traits that future hopefuls need to have to enter the industry he notes that dreaming big is important. “Never let anyone tell you that something can’t be done – dream big. My personal motto is ‘invent, create, inspire’ as these are the forces that get me out of bed every morning. Although it may sound like a cliché you need to have passion for what you do and not be afraid of getting your hands dirty,” he adds.
The event industry is challenging and Matthew reckons that you need to be able to play a balancing act too. “Make time to relax with your family and loved ones. The hours in this industry are long and irregular and if you want to be the best at what you do, you need a lot of focus to stay at the top because of the rapid pace at which the industry moves,” he explains.
When asked about the event that he would like to host at Silverstar, Matthew says a big extravagant production – perhaps a performance by Cher! “I’m an avid fan of her and although she has had farewell concerts for almost as long as I have been alive, she just has announced that she will be touring again! If this tour is anything like her last farewell tour, I’d want to be involved!” he concludes.
With so much energy and passion we’re sure that Silverstar will live up to its slogan of “be entertained”.
For the latest news about what’s happening at Silverstar and the exciting entertainment Matthew is planning, like the Silverstar facebook fan page or log onto www.silverstarcasino.co.za.
