Grimm Tales
The project
An adaptation of the timeless folk stories, Grimm Tales is Carol Ann Duffy's selected interpretation of the charming, often gruesome fairytales into play form. Sheffield University Theatre Company's reworking of this text was a uniquely immersive production, played by a versatile multi-roling cast and directed with the central intention to allow the actors to 'play' on stage and with the set, to move through the audience freely and immerse them in the story.
The brief
Working as the set designer on this project, my brief was to produce a flexible, movable and above all immersive set design which creatively interpreted the world of forest fairytales within the production's setting of a converted church. A primary concern for the production team was the creation of a robust and multi-level set which would allow the actors' playfulness and physicality to take centre stage.
The solution
A highly physical show, with actors playing multiple roles throughout, my approach centred on incorporating both the outdoors and the audience into the set as much as possible. With cost-effective measures such as a real bark floor covering, scaffolding to create multiple levels, and an audience seated cabaret-style, I maximised the Drama Studio's significant height and flexible seating block with a limited budget. This was accompanied with set-dressing details such as stools and household objects that actors could 'play' with throughout the show, building a world using everyday items.
Stage Design
