Set Build

Building the set for a production is obviously an important part of the production itself. We have designed and built some marvellous sets over our 85 years, but life has become far easier in building the set compared to the early days of the Players when the stage had to be built too!

The weekend before production week, sees all hands on deck as the stage is cleared and then the set erected for the dress rehearsals on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and then the three performances from Thursday through to Saturday.

When the production is over, the set of course has to be dismantled and put away - generally a much quicker job, which sees the hall clear by lunchtime.

Here are some pictures from the set build of Tiptoe Through The Tombstones, in October 2005.

Set build usually takes place during the weekend prior to the performance.

The first stage is preparing the flats. They need to be stripped of wallpaper. They are then put in position for bolting together on the stage - which has had the carpet laid out on it.

The flats (which are either 2 foot or 1 foot widths) are then bolted together according to the plan. Some special flats are also required e.g. door flats and fireplaces.

The flats are then lined with lining paper and then painted according to the required set design. Lighting is also set up during set build to ensure that the stage is lit according to the requirements of the production.

Of course, on Sunday morning, after the three nights of performance, the set is unbolted and put away under the stage ready for the next set build weekend.