The Algarveans’ next production “Ladies’ Day” opens at the end of March and activity is reaching fever pitch as the set building team put the finishing touches to their work.
The actors enjoy the applause centre stage, but we often fail to acknowledge the hard work of those backstage.
Spotlight on the set designers: Nigel and Sue Miller who, having attended many of the Algarveans’ productions, decided to jump on board. Their hard work has been supported by Lynda and Malcolm Marshall who readily turn their hands to various jobs, together with a group of occasional volunteers.
What does set building entail? “First we meet with the director to discuss ideas,” explains Nigel. “We then design the scenery which will be built and painted at the Alcalar warehouse. Generally, we work at a relaxed pace for a few hours, a couple of days a week for 2-3 months, depending on people’s availability. Complex projects take a bit longer. For Ladies’ Day, we’ve been creating a fish-packing factory and a racecourse. The sets have to be constructed so they can easily be dismantled and taken to the theatre where they are rebuilt.”
Let’s give the set builders a hand, both figuratively and literally. The small team wants to expand its group of volunteers and would welcome anyone who would like to be involved. Lynda emphasises that minimal DIY skills and artistic ability are required: “It’s fun and relaxed, not a fulltime job. Hammers and paintbrushes are provided!”
“More importantly,” Nigel adds, “the warehouse is next to an excellent, inexpensive restaurant where we socialise while waiting for the paint to dry!”
To find out more about joining The Algarveans or helping with set construction, visit website www.thealgarveans.com.
Ladies’ Day is playing at the Carlos do Carmo Auditorium in Lagoa from March 21- 23. Tickets are available online at www.ticketline.pt or in person at Auditório Carlos do Carmo, Convento de S. José, Município de Lagoa and Balcão Único. Tickets are also available at Worten and FNAC shops or online from their websites.
Photo: Ladies’ Day set design team: Sue and Nigel Miller, Dick Purcell, Lynda and Malcolm Marshall
