Blood Brothers: Set design (revolves, trucks, projection, multimedia, pyrotechnics, smoke machines, flying)

Blood Brothers: Set design (revolves, trucks, projection, multimedia, pyrotechnics, smoke machines, flying)

Understanding Set Design in Blood Brothers

Core Concept of Set Design

• “Blood Brothers” is a piece of musical theatre. The set design therefore not only needs to accurately depict a range of locations (from a council estate to a lavish suburban house), but also facilitate seamless transitions between musical numbers.

Scenic Elements

• Use of Revolves: Revolves can be used to create a sense of movement and difference in time or location during the play. For instance, showing the change from the Johnson’s rundown house to the Lyons’ opulent home.
• Employment of Trucks: Trucks may be incorporated in the set to allow for easy scene changes. These could be used to bring on different set pieces, such as pieces of furniture or even entire sections of a set.

Technological Aspects

• Projection and Multimedia: Projection and multimedia can be employed to provide additional information or enhance the mood of a scene. Projections of news headlines or historical events can give a sense of period.
• Pyrotechnics and Smoke Machines: Pyrotechnics and smoke machines can help to intensify dramatic moments. Great care should be taken when using these technologies to ensure safety.

Special Effects

• Flying Technique: Flying is a theatrical technique that can create a sense of magic or illusion. In “Blood Brothers”, it could be used to show characters in unusual situations or settings.

Set Design Purpose

• In all elements of set design for “Blood Brothers”, the key is to create an immersive and engaging environment that supports the narrative, themes and characters of the play. It’s important to remember its themes of class divide, superstition, childhood innocence and tragic destiny.