The tent, site and trailer were all recced, and ground plans drawn up. But it was vital that the directors and I were on site when the larger elements were positioned. The entire site could not be marked up in the rehearsal room and so distances and sightlines needed to be checked. The set (within the trailer) was in the rehearsal room. The rake was steep and the furniture was all built in perspective. The show included a violent fight. This required collaboration between cast, fight director props and costume departments, in the rehearsal room and on site.

Community –

Pagliacci is the story of a comedia troupe visiting a town during the feast of the assumption. Our production was conceived with the community at its heart. Scottish Opera came to Paisley in their curtain side trailer for Sma Shot day, a celebration of the historic victory of the weavers over their employers.

Performed in a Quad span tent on a large sports field with a company of nearly 200, including local bell ringers. The audience enjoyed Punch and Judy, a fortune teller, dressing-up, games, raffles, hotdogs, ice-cream, bubbles, a donkey and the Paisley parade of banners lead by the Charleston drum.

The chorus were dressed to be indistinguishable from a Paisley audience, so unexpectedly, the person standing next to you would suddenly start singing.

We collaborated with the publicity department to ensure a clear message. I asked for branded SO/Paisley T’ shirt – which brought everyone together.