HELLO
My name is Rudy Percival. I’m a composer and pianist working in theatre. My role varies from production to production, but it can be largely divided into the categories below. Usually, I do more than one of these on any given project - check out my CV for this info.
SONGWRITING
I write songs for musicals and plays. I often collaborate with other writers/lyricists on these pieces.
For this work, I have been featured in The Guardian, received an Arts Council ’DYCP’ grant and a Help Musicians UK ‘Record and Release’ grant, selected to attend the JMF Writer’s Grove Goodspeed Musicals (USA), and had my work featured by the National Student Drama Festival.
COMPOSITION &
SOUND DESIGN
I provide composition and sound design for plays.
This is a diverse role, as it sometimes requires setting up up audio equipment in theatres, and in other instances composing music / soundscapes. It’s usually a bit of both! My work has been heard at the Soho Theatre, the Barn Theatre, the New Wimbledon Theatre, the King’s Head Theatre, Above the Stag Theatre, Edinburgh Summerhall, and the Oxford Northwall.
ARRANGEMENT &
ORCHESTRATION
I make arrangements and orchestrations for theatre and concerts that feature live musicians.
This can range from small groups of actor-musicians to orchestras. I arrange and orchestrate all of my own songs and compositions, provided additional arrangements for the Criterion Theatre’s 150th Anniversary Gala, provided additional arrangements for a workshop at Elliott & Harper Productions, and have created the scores for several pantomimes.
MUSICAL DIRECTION
Because of my strong keyboard skills and sight-reading ability, I frequently work as a musical director / supervisor, and often as an audition accompanist for West End production companies.
I have music directed pantomimes and regional productions of musicals, played for cabarets in London, and am a regular audition accompanist for ATG, Sonia Friedman Productions, Wessex Grove, and Anthology Theatre. I am also a visiting teacher at West End MT and Associated Studios.