Ollie the Singing Clown changes industry perceptions one show at a time
To put children at ease and to change the narrative about clowns, Pieter Vorster puts his makeup on in front of the audience while interacting with them.
POLOKWANE – Having performed thousands of shows across Africa and 30 years of experience under his belt, Pieter ‘Ollie the Singing Clown’ Vorster’s aim is to educate and entertain through his work.
Ollie recently visited Noordjieland Pre-Primary School and Kraaines Preschool and is a proud and professional singing clown who entertains at schools, festivals, flea markets, shopping centers, birthday parties, private functions and events.
“I believe everybody can do magic tricks if they practice enough because it’s all gimmicks. In the same breath, a good magician never reveals their magic tricks because it’s a secret, otherwise it’s not fun anymore,” he said.
Ollie originates from Limpopo but currently resides in Pretoria and told the Polokwane Review that he will always return home to do shows because one should never forget where they come from.
Ollie is passionate about children and to put them at ease and to change the narrative about clowns, he puts his makeup on in front of the audience while interacting with them.
“I want to change the narrative and the norm of clowns appearing out of nowhere in their outfits so I come dressed normally and transform in front of the audience so they can see it’s the same person. I then start my performance and this makes the children more comfortable and less scared,” he said.
Ollie said his love for the entertainment industry began when he attended a circus with his paternal grandmother Ella.
“It was such a wonderful and memorable day because I sat in the front row where I could see everything up close. I turned to my grandmother and told her that I want to be a clown when I grow up. She told me people will laugh at me if I turn it into a career and I then said to her that I want to make it different and educational and tell kids about God,” he said.
He was given the nickname Ollie by his grandmother and said his mother Malinda is a professional artist and that’s why he believes artistry runs in his blood and comes naturally.
Ollie who usually travels with DJ Tom Tom can be booked to perform in both English and Afrikaans.
For more info contact Pieter/Ollie on 061 030 3902 or 083 694 1479 or email hello@olliedienar.co.za.
