Deadwood Dick
Deadwood Dick was, as it's name might suggest, a play set in the old American West of the 1890's. All the play was set in Deadwood's Mantrap Saloon. In this type of play, essentially a comedy, while there is still a certain amount of attention to detail, the comedic elements of the play mean that it is not necessary to recreate a wholly accurate wild west saloon. Nevertheless, a representation that will be believed by audiences is still essential.
The above picture shows the saloon under construction. Modern chairs are used to determine where the period chairs will go during rehearsals.
Painting has started on the set. The basic elements are now in. The Flat joins are taped before any painting work is done. At present the many colours are due to flats being re-used from previous shows. The painted wood panelling was from Journey's End. These will be carefully blended in to the unpainted panelling at a later date. The floor!! That is a previous covering for Steel Magnolias, the last production at Theatre 8. This will eventually be painted to look like wood. The great backdrop was painted by Mike McGillivray.
The finished set. The use of non stark colour adds to the period feel. Lamps were also added with faux flashing candles inside to add to the ambience. It is still not realised by many that saloons in the wild west were very ostentatious places. Clearly ours is at the lower end of the scale but it's simplicity ensures the audience concentrate on the cast, not the set. The marvellous painting of the nude affectionately called Chloe was painted specifically for the play by the great Wendy MacGillivray