This Secret Isle, conceived, researched and written by Double Act member Peter Smith, was indeed a resounding success. Played to near full-houses for each performance, this based-on-real-events production gave an account of some of the Isle of Purbeck’s contributions toward the outcome of the Second World War.
Very positive testimonials have been appreciatively received from SceneOne+ (Scene OnePlus – Theatre Guide & Reviews – Scene One+) and NODA (NODA) reviewers. Their report texts are accessible at the ‘clickable’ image links below or via the ‘Archive’ tab drop-down menu; they make for interesting reading!
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The reviewers did a grand job of reporting the performances they witnessed, but, as most attendees, did not acquire an appreciation the physical effort that went into transforming our bare (no offence!) Village Hall into the magnificent Theatre that it became! Just for starters, we had a full raised stage to assemble and install; complete with proscenium arch! Then the props, lighting, sound system, curtains, changing room monitors, audience kitchen refreshments to organise….as always, the list was endless! Actors and back-stage staff came together and worked tirelessly over six days to get everything ready for the first performance – in parallel with daily rehearsals. What might seem strange, is that it took only one day to dismantle everything and pack it all away – ready for next time……….!
So, how did we get to…….
What we started with!
First task – Gather all the hardware and start installing lighting poles.
Assemble the stage platform.
Lighting and Proscenium Arch going up!
All hands to the deck!
Lighting, scenery and arch progressing.
Curtain Rail and “Rock Fall” hardware activities underway.
Audio and Lighting control desk being assembled.
Getting there!
Voila! (Translation – Yer ’tis!)
Stage – Pub setting “Close-up”.
The great effort is rewarded!
A credit to all who were able to contribute!