Journey’s End
The project
In the closing stages of the UK's national, four-year commemoration of the huge losses sustained in WW1, Journey's End was conceived as a timely response. Produced by Sheffield University Theatre Company and featuring a large cast working in a naturalistic style, the unusual and site-specific nature of the former cutlery venue also presented considerable challenges.
The brief
The venue, a former cutlery factory converted into an events space, presented challenges of configuration and technical capabilities, while the artistic team's vision required a suitably sombre, impactful audience experience with gravitas and weight. As set designer, a structural and robust approach was needed, nonetheless ensuring that the set was easily dismantled to return the multi-use space to its usual state quickly and cleanly.
The solution
I designed and built from scratch a structure inspired by the trench shelters of World War One, using scaff bars, timber and period set dressing such as replica oil lamps to bring the functionality and horror of wartime life and death into the venue. The venue only contained a very small backstage area with no facilities, so the design also created depth to the stage, with a section which was visible but upstage of the main performance space, and a section which screened the backstage entirely. The design necessitated end-on viewing, bringing the audience very close to the playing area, which was level with the audience. The set was large but easily dismantled due to its panel construction, allowing for a swift get-out to return the space to its usual multi-use functionality.
Stage Design
