Designing a sustainable show

MaxJL - 22 December 2022

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

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