ROLAND PEROLD

New accompanist joins the Brutal Tunes team for Stirling theatre run.

Currently in Durban for a short time working towards a collaborative piano recital, Roland Perold will join the effervescent Brutal Tunes team of Lisa Bobbert and Anthony Stonier when the show runs at the new Stirling Theatre in Durban North.

Having performed to high acclaim and successful critical review, the multi-award winning brutal cabaret is back! Bristling with sharp wit and comedy and overflowing with musical ability, audiences should grab the opportunity to enjoy such talent as well as music by Sondheim, Noel Coward and Tom Lehrer.

Well-known classical pianist Andrew Warburton normally makes up the brutal trio and the show was specifically designed to highlight the talents and excellent working rapport of this highly energetic threesome. Directed by Caroline Smart, the music revue is filled with comedy, clever (and brutal …!!) lyrics and outrageous fun. It is mad cap and macabre with a mixture of mystery, murder, mayhem and mirth mixed together for massive ‘musement!!

Unfortunately, Andrew Warburton is not available for the Stirling Theatre run and the show is liable to take on a completely new look and feel with the inclusion of Roland Perold at the keyboards. An accomplished classical musician he is more than capable of upstaging Bobbert and Stonier, adding enormously to the brutal atmosphere!

Roland grew up on the South Coast of KZN where he matriculated at Port Shepstone High School. He moved to Durban to attend University and was appointed as accompanist and assistant conductor for the KZN Youth Choir whilst studying, accompanying them on tours to Europe on four occasions. Roland was seen in the Playhouse festive season productions of The Sound of Music (2005) and My Fair Lady (2006). Having completed his Bmus(Hons) degree in 2007 he decided to move to Cape Town to further his studies at the prestigious Waterfront Theatre School.

In Cape Town, Roland completed his Licentiate in Drama, various levels of dance training in the styles of Tap, Jazz and Modern Dance and received special notice for his outstanding work in Musical Theatre; passing his Licentiate in Musical Theatre with a very high distinction. In 2008, he played Stephen Hoffman in Old Wicked Songs which originated at the Masque Theatre and later enjoyed a second run at the Artscape Arena in 2009. Also in 2009 Roland acted as Musical Director for The Return from Oz.

In April of this year Roland presented a series of cabaret performances on the “RMS St. Helena” as entertainment for the FMR Music Cruise. Trying his hand at producing, Roland mounted the musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change acting as musical director and later entering the role of Jordan. After a very successful run in Cape Town the show went on to win the 2010 Standard Bank Ovation Award at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. Roland also appeared in Autobahn by American playwright Neil Labute during festival.

Brutal Tunes runs at the Stirling Theatre at the Italian Club in Durban North from September 3 to 5 and again from September 11 to 12 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 20h00 (19h00 Sundays). Tickets R80 pp with an optional menu or BYO picnic/snacks. There is a cash bar but regrettably no credit card facilities. Plenty of secure parking is available. Bookings on 082 970 0002 or email bookings@stirlingtheatre.co.za