The Plot -  On the way to serve in World War One, young Gerhard encounters the demonic Herr Herold. Herold declares he is “fishing for souls” and is very interested in religious affairs. A rapport is established between the two. Hugely encouraging of Gerhard’s nationalist leanings and vaulting ambition, Herold becomes a regular visitor in the years that follow. In 1933, Gerhard, now an established university Professor, joins the Nazi party and publishes “The Jewish Question”, a book where he mulls mass extermination of the Jews. On the back of the book’s success, Gerhard is appointed to the highest level of Reich academia. His research into Jewish racial history underpins Hitler’s Final Solution and brings him into contact with Josef Mengele, Goebbels, Eichmann, Rudolf Hess, Eugen Fischer, and Hitler himself. From the shadows, Herold looks on. 

With Germany’s total defeat in 1945, the full horror of the Holocaust is reported in the world media. Gerhard is arrested and thrown into jail. It is only when Herr Herold appears in his prison cell that he finally realises what he has done...and for whom.

KYLE BROOKES – HERR HEROLD
Herr Herold – Producers’ Comments

"In the dramatis personae section that prefaces the script, Herr Herold is simply described as “Satan”. Herold embodies evil. In metaphorical terms, he is the human shadow. Falling into this shadow, Gerhard Kittel destroys his own reputation for eternity. Onstage, Herold manifests as the radically evil Nazi chieftains — Hitler, Goebbels, Himmler and Mengele — with whom Gerhard comes into contact during his twelve-year career working for Hitler’s loathsome cause. Herold is a spectacular, career-forging role. But it is a very difficult one. Exceptional skill and relentless attention to detail are required to differentiate Herold’s various manifestations onstage."

"Casting for Herr Herold, we wanted an entertainer devoid of ham or schmaltz, an artist with nuance, judgement and versatility. Above all, we were looking for a commanding presence, an individual who knew how to seduce not only Gerhard Kittel, but the audience and public. These attributes, and more, we have found in Kyle Brookes."

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