TR2 turns 21 as young and old return for special 'behind the scenes performances'

A unique performance, using the back stage creation arm of the theatre, is taking place today and tomorrow

Located on the Plym estuary in Cattedown, the 4,500 square-meter centre employs a permanent team of 26 including draughts people, carpenters, metal fabricators and scenic artists, crafting theatre sets which get shipped worldwide.
Author: Andrew KayPublished 16th Aug 2024
Last updated 16th Aug 2024

More than 150 people, associated with Plymouth Theatre, are today and tomorrow staging a show to celebrate the TR2 - which was opened in 2003.

The theatre's in-house production and learning centre is known internationally as it makes sets for shows across the world and also offers rehearsal spaces and an acclaimed wardrobe collection.

The Key has been written and produced by the theatre, using costumes and sets designed and created onsite, with viewers taken on a physical journey around TR2 to watch performances in different locations.

The age range of those involved in the show goes from primary school to the retired and for many youngsters it's an opportunity to work on a professional production while learning new skills.

Lexie Harbottle, 17 from Plymouth, is a young technician who is helping oversee the sound of the performance in different locations across the site.

She said: "Obviously theatre happens all the time but this is a lot different from ordinary shows, there's lots of different stuff going on. It's really fun as well working with everybody here because they've got so much knowledge."

The Key is said to 'build on the tradition of giving a key to celebrate a 21st birthday' and incorporates themes from William Shakespeare’s coming-of-age play The Tempest.

Three sold-out performances will guide audiences on a journey throughout TR2, physically moving through the building and exploring what makes it so distinctive.

Youngsters Louie, 12 and Arwen, 11, are both involved in the show - which they called 'amazing' - with Louis adding: "We're doing a bit in the start, with sea shanties and a bit in the wardrobe we're like prop designers in the actual play acting and have our own walkway or catwalk and it's really good."

Arwen added: "We carry wigs, with my friends, and we're wearing the same costume."

Producer Ryan Wilce said: " It's a chance to see all of those backstage offices where the seeds of ideas comes from.

"It's where set is being made before it gets transported over to the theatre or theatres all over the world. It's where people are sewing or stitching or putting fabrics together and costumes that are then going to get put into trundles to be transported over to the theatre or all over the country for use in tours."

He said the Key is a celebration of the community that exists around Plymouth's Theatre Royal, adding: "We've got our community groups, so people who come here every week.

"We've got people that are alumni from our community groups, so they've been here they've had their lives transformed by the theatre in some way - they've gone off and lived other lives and come back to share their story. We've got emerging artists who've been through our artist development programme."

CEO and Executive Producer James Mackenzie-Blackman, said: “We are extremely lucky to have one of the busiest, most ambitious and accomplished scenic workshops in the UK.

"The sets we construct at TR2 can be seen across the UK, in the West End and around the world. There really is nowhere else in the country that compares with TR2 and we are immensely proud of its progressing capabilities."

Head of Artistic Planning and Projects Jane Pawson, said: “The Key is a celebration and reflection of TR2, both its physical presence and also what it represents within the city and the community.

“The production will be the first time we’ve brought our groups together to create a show of this scale and it’s been a joy collaborating with the young people, Our Space members and professionals who have come together to make The Key possible.

“We can’t wait for our audiences to immerse themselves in the show and hopefully learn a little more about what goes on outside of our Lyric stage.”

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