Theatre Scenery

I am the Set Designer and Chief Scenic Artist for the Julian Light Operatic Society which has been performing at The Questors Theatre in Ealing since 2002. These are the sets I have designed, built and painted. The cast usually assists where possible. Being an amateur company with a limited budget the designs have to be simple and effective.

The Mikado
Stage design for the Julian Light Operatic Society's production of Gilbert & Sullivans "The Mikado". Painted stage with oriental tree, origami swans, lilly pads and flowers.

The Mikado
The tree is cut out of MDF board and supports 6 parasols.

The Sorcerer
Stage design for the Julian Light Operatic Society's production of Gilbert & Sullivans "The Sorcerer". The whole set was made from a series of cutout shapes and the floor was covered with artificial grass.

The Sorcerer
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HMS Pinafore
Stage design for the Julian Light Operatic Society's production of Gilbert & Sullivans "HMS Pinafore". I pre-fabricated many of the components at home. As a little boy I used to be fascinated by sailing ships. Here was a chance to build part of one full scale.

HMS Pinafore
I even danced the hornpipe.

HMS Pinafore
The orchestra were plced on the raised deck behind.

HMS Pinafore
The 9 pounder cannon was made from a variety of materials.

The Yeomen of the Guard
Stage design for the Julian Light Operatic Society's production of Gilbert & Sullivans "The Yeomen of the Guard".

The Yeomen of the Guard
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Iolanthe
Stage design for the Julian Light Operatic Society's production of Gilbert & Sullivans "Iolanthe". We wanted a surreal look. Work in progress

Iolanthe
A distorted Houses of Parliament.

Iolanthe
When fairies interfere with the House of Peers strange things are likely to happen.

Iolanthe
The orchestra were put on a bandstand. The tree roots spread across the stage.Even the guard's sentry box was distorted.

Iolanthe
The bedhead was even distorted in the nightmare scene.

Ruddigore
The design for the Julian Light Operatic Society's production of Gilbert & Sullivans's "Ruddigore" involved making mini scenes in 2 1/2 dimensions that were installed within boxes on trollies with trompe l'oeil frames. These pieces were then rolled on and off as the scenes changed. There was also a big framed screen onto which still photos and bits of film were projected.

Ruddigore
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Ruddigore
The portrait gallery involved making life sized photographic cutouts that revolved so that the ghosts could step through.

Ruddigore
Here the ghosts have appeared./p>

Ruddigore
One of the 2 1/2 dimensioned mini scenes before insertion into its box.

Ruddigore
Here it is in its box with trompe l'oeil gold frame.

Ruddigore
Another mini scene.

Ruddigore
Another mini scene. This one is actually flat.

The Gondoliers
The design for the Julian Light Operatic Society's production of Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Gondoliers" involved a painted stage floor and making large hanging photographs. In the first act set in Venice the scenery and costumes were in black and white.

The Gondoliers
I also made cutout Vespas.

The Gondoliers
Here you see a cutout gondola and I felt penned the Fornasetti sun design onto the parasol.

The Gondoliers
The 2nd act was set in colour on the fictitious Mediterranean island of Barataria. Note the adaption of the Espana tourist sign.

The Gondoliers
This is the drinks trolley with an adaption of a Joan Miro mural painted around it.

The Gondoliers
And here it is in action.

La Belle Hélène
The design for the Julian Light Operatic Society's production of Offenbach's "La Belle Hélène" involved using an adapted bed as a chassis for a chariot and a boat.

La Belle Hélène
This is the chariot/bed.

La Belle Hélène
Here is the boat.

La Belle Hélène
The arrival of king Agamemnon by chariot with the other kings. A suspended gantry was slung over the orchestra and another curved proscenium arch was constructed. The set was to give the impression of an art Deco German cabaret (The Labarynth Cabaret). The gold, turquoise and purple design was inspired by a piece of fabric.