Back-up singers in short lace dresses playfully gave a little “charleston’ kick to the
sounds of The Parlotones, as the rock band infused a classical twist to their
infectious melodies. The Parlotones Orchestrated Live saw the band deliver a
mesmerising performance together with a chamber ensemble, arranged and
conducted by composer and musician Brendan Jury, at the Teatro at Montecasino,
Johannesburg.

For the first time in his career, lighting designer Kevin Stannett from Crosslight had
an entire Phillips Vari-Lite rig at his disposal and as always, he programmed on a
grandMA2 light. Gearhouse Splitbeam was the full technical supplier at the venue.

Recently awarded as the Naledi Lighting Designer of the Year, Kevin is experienced
at creating dramatic lighting effects, fuelled even more so having worked
exclusively for Nataniel, a flamboyant singer and outspoken entertainer.

“The look I wanted to create, because of the additional orchestra, was somewhat
more theatrical than what The Parlotones are used to,’ said Kevin. At the same
time he had to maintain a classic rock feel. “The band gave me a rough brief of
what they wanted, but were happy for me to do what I do. They really are
professional.’

The rig was made up of 6 x VL4000 Spots, 6 x VL4000 BeamWash, 3 x VLX Wash, 6
x VL2500 Spot, 6 x VL2500 Wash, 6 x VL3500 Spot and 2 x VL3000 Spot. Front of
House consisted of 24 x ETC Source Four 19°. Two MDG Atmospheres created the
haze, an imperative part of the show.

“All the Vari-Lite fixtures are theatrically perfect but the additional output of the
4000s made my life very easy, they really were amazing,’ said Kevin. “I used the
VL 4000 BeamWash on the floor to achieve some incredible beams. I was impressed
by the super accurate control, as usual from Vari-Lite, but was pleasantly surprised
by the speed of such a large fixture.’

The VL 4000 Spots were rigged on an overhead bar behind the orchestra. “The zoom
was incredible, allowing me to wash the entire orchestra and band with gobos as
well as individually highlight specific members. Even at a very wide zoom the
beams were exceptionally crisp.’

The professional technical service presented by Alistair Kilbee and his team at
Splitbeam, make working in the Teatro a pain free and pleasurable experience.
“Gearhouse Splitbeam was great,’ ended Kevin, “They always are.’