Design For Living

With the background I have in art and design I was always going to approach theatre productions with one eye on set, costumes or make-up. However I will not always name-check them in a review unless I feel them to be particularly good or particularly bad. This week I have seen two plays that highlight the dilemma.

Monday I was at the opening of Maurice at the Above The Stag Theatre. I am a big fan of the work at the ATS generally, although I do have issues with certain areas of this particular adaptation. This aside, I realise that budgets are particularly tight at many Fringe Theatres so attempting a costume drama is a questionable task. Decisions are made, corners are cut and whilst this production certainly looked better than the last, ultimately it suffered from the lack of a good wardrobe supervisor and set designer. Tim McArthur as the director, has insinuated a line of humour into the play that seems to appeal to modern audiences, which is perfectly acceptable and indeed finding the accessibility of a period piece could be considered his role.

Lack of funds may limit design options but should never limit imagination or care. Sadly, all too often I see plays with unsuitable hats, shoes, trousers or wigs. You almost expect it on the Fringe! But I really get annoyed when I see un-pressed trousers, un-polished shoes or wigs that have simply been taken out of the Smiffy's bag and sat on the head.

Who is saying - "Well, it won't matter. Nobody will notice. It's all about the acting really." ? The Director? The Producer? The Actors? or God forbid, The Designer?

IT DOES! THEY WILL! IT ISN'T

That said, last night I witnessed things at the other end of the scale. The most interesting thing about Simon Stephen's Punk Rock at the Lyric Hammersmith was the set. A vast library. Masses and masses of carefully bound volumes soaring into the flies, punctuated with lead-glass window panes. It looked like something straight out of Hogwarts and was extremely impressive. It completely over-powered the drama of the play, which it must be said, was not a particularly difficult task.

Great designs do not make great plays and great plays can be damaged by bad designs. Think on't.