Just back from a visit to the workshops where the set is being constructed for Love Never Dies.  Wow!  Sadly I can’t give too much detail away without revealing the plot line but it was fabulous to see things which have previously only existed on paper or as a scaled down model coming to full-size life at last.

Today marked a pivotal stage in the decision making process.  Bob Crowley – the Production Designer  – was there along with Paule Constable who is designing the Lighting for the production. Steve Rebbeck (Production Manager) explained that the purpose of the day was to test two different potential lighting set ups .  It was the first time they had been tested on sample pieces of set and Bob and Paule wanted to see how each rig would affect the colours and materials which will be used in the production.  A huge 4 metre high lightbox had been constructed at the set workshop for this purpose and the team hung a variety of different types of cloths which had been either hand-painted or printed using different techniques and various paint treatments. It was a painstakingly thorough process but it is vital to make the correct choice as today’s decision will affect the production of all the scenery going forward.  Bob and Paule eventually reached agreement and the senior set artist was informed so that this part of the set production can now begin in earnest.

After a couple of hours of decision making we walked across to another workshop where other parts of the set are being created by sculptors and painters.  They are now a few weeks into the build and we were privileged to be some of the first to see the major elements of the Phantom’s new home.  As Andrew revealed in his introduction to the Love Never Dies launch, the Phantom has now been elevated from his underground lair where he was hiding in the candlelit shadows beneath the Paris Opera House.  In Love Never Dies he lives high above the ground, looking down on Coney Island in all it’s glory – bathed in the glow of the newly invented electric light.  I wish I could tell you more about this particular set, as it looks truly incredible even though it is still under construction.  We were shown an intricate scale model of the complete set and then we had the opportunity to view in full size many of the elements which will be pieced together to create the stunning whole.   Just how spectacular it will look in situ in the theatre can be imagined, but you will have to wait until you come to see the show to see it for yourself!!