Blog

Designing a sustainable show

Andie Scott’s journey to create 95% sustainable theatre started at Jacksons Lane in 2016 with From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads, written and directed by Adrian Berry.

With Jack and the Beanstalk, each element of design has had its  impact on the environment carefully considered, and follows the ethos of the Ecostage Pledge. The pledge (which you can sign here) asks theatre makers to consider to seven Rs: Reuse, Refuse, Reduce, Recycle, Rethink, Reimagine and Regenerate, in the pursuit of a more sustainable industry.

An illustration of the Jack and the Beanstalk set, featuring a four poster bed with red silk drapes hanging from the ceiling above it, and two yellow walls either side. White fluffy clouds hang over it all. Toys are sprawled over the bed, and a small teddy hangs out on a windowsill
The original design for the Jack and the Beanstalk set. Credit: Andie Scott
Photo showing the set of Jack and the Beanstalk while it's being built. There is a four poster off to the left, with pink posts and yellow sheets. There are two walls either side. Both are white, waiting to be painted. A couple of fluffy clouds hang from the ceiling. The lighting rig is visible above the clouds
The bare bones of the Jack and the Beanstalk set. Credit: Andie Scott
The Jack and the Beanstalk set. There is a red four poster bed near the middle, with red aerial silks tied to the posts. There are yellow walls on either side of the stage - one with a red door, the other with a window. On the stage is a yellow bucket, out of which grows a rope beanstalk. Fluffy clouds hang above the set
The Jack and the Beanstalk set. Photo: Alex Brenner

Andie used recycled cardboard flats to form the basis of the set. They are painted in organic household paints to create multifunctional elements that hide puppets, giants, beanstalks … and a messy bedroom. Jackie’s bed is made from in-house staging and recycled timber, incorporating performative circus silk drapes which are used for Jackie’s aerial display. Puppetry created by Alison Alexander is projected onto the white cyclorama backdrop to add story elements and characters .

Performers playing mum and Jackie sit on Jackie's bed, as mum tells a bedtime story. Behind them is a shadow puppet of a giant with scary teeth showing. Above the giant in big letters it says Fee Fi Fo Fum. Jackie holds a yellow toy dog on her lap
Giant fairy tales are projected on stage. Photo: Alex Brenner

For the beanstalk, Andie looked at the intricate runner bean plants for inspiration. The Jacksons Lane beanstalk is made from reclaimed off-white organza fabric and uses corset boning from a previous project to form its structure. The multiple stalks are made from clear tubing that can be returned to the manufacturer for recycling.

A close up of the beanstalk , with large leaves made of white translucent gauze
A close up of the gauzy beanstalk. Credit: Andie Scott
A photo of the beanstalk. It is very long. Most of in is in a puddle on the floor, A length has been stretched out up a white wall
The beanstalk in progress. Credit: Andie Scott
The performer playing the giant stands on the performer playing Jackie's back. His hands are on the performer playing Mum's shoulders. They all look at the red rope representing the beanstalk which is growing out of a yellow bucket
The cast of Jack and the Beanstalk inspect the growing beanstalk. Photo: Alex Brenner

The clouds are recycled plastic bottle fibres which were made into lampshades. They are joined together on a formation of paper lanterns which rescued from a Chinese opera project.

A photo of white paper lanterns stuck together in a cloud shape. They have fairy lights inside, and they are half covered with a fluffy material which looks like white cotton wool
Paper lanterns become clouds. Credit: Andie Scott
A photo of the finished cloud. They look white and fluffy. It glows with internal lights
Fluffy clouds glowing with internal light. Credit: Andie Scott
The actor playing the giant is climbing up the rope representing the beanstalk. He gazes out into the distance.
Performer Sam Newton up in the clouds. Photo: Alex Brenner

For the specialist effects, equipment has been hired in to ensure they get maximum reuse.

And what happens after the final performance? Much of the set already has a new home to go to. They’ll be taken to the National Centre for Circus Arts for a show in February 2023.

You can find out more about Andie and her work on her website.

Jack and the Beanstalk is at Jacksons Lane until Sunday 1 January. Tickets start at £12

Sign Up to Receive Updates From the Blog

Newsletter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

More From The Blog

World Circus Day

This World Circus Day, here’s a potted history of circus acts we’ve hosted over the last 50 years, as we look forward to those coming back to spin, balance, and fly about the building on our 50th Birthday Weekend. 

Read More

Interview with Madeleine Margot from Transient & Trifling: A Night of Disciplined Performance

Recommended 18+. Rooted in love, community, and a desire for deeper connection, Transient and Trifling is more than a kink show — it’s a call for visibility, nuance, and radical acceptance. As it makes its debut at Jacksons Lane, we spoke to the creator about what inspired this powerful collision of circus and BDSM.

Read More

Interview with Sean and Michalea from Kook Ensemble’s Sand

This interview explores Sean and Michalea’s inspiration for Kook Ensemble’s latest production, Sand, delving into themes of love and memory, the impact of dementia, and the beautiful, messy joy of what it means to be human.

Read More

Looking back to our future

As Haringey celebrates its Golden Jubilee, we reflect on our shared history—one of creativity, diversity, and unwavering commitment to the people who make this borough extraordinary.

Read More

Celebrating love at Jacksons Lane

As we celebrate 50 years, we’re sharing the love — literally! From surprise proposals to wedding receptions, Jacksons Lane has been part of some unforgettable moments. Read on for two heart-warming stories where love took centre stage.

Read More

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Jacksons Lane!

Did you know our building was once a church? Or that our first-ever Christmas lunch in 1975 is a tradition that continues to this day? Join us as we uncover some of the fascinating, quirky, and unexpected moments that have shaped Jacksons Lane over the years!

 

Read More