Production photos by Luke Dyson

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Art Direction for Immersive Theatre | Secret Cinema, Gunnersbury Park

Directed by Matt Costain
Production Design by Tim Blazdell & Ben Austin
Art Production Management by Jennifer Taillefer
Production Management by Matt Ledbury, Esme Driscoll

Art Department:
Scenic Art – Zowie Wise (HOD), Pippa Higham, Jason Thraves, Emma Turner
Scenic Construction – Sam Stuart, John Hornsby (HODs), Lisa Berrystone, Bartek Szadura
Prop Making – Scott James (HOD), Emma Froud, Tony Scullion

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Outdoor Game Spaces- Putt Putt, Camp Wilder, Gymkhana, Dance Platforms, Laurel Stage, photos by Art Department

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‘Dirty Dancing’ marked my first major Art Direction role, leading a large team of artists in the creative execution of the production designers vision, managing very large budgets and also creatively handling the decoration of the outdoor space.

The Art Department managed all visual creative looks and were the only department that would work in each area throughout the build. From painting and decorating rooms, building and sourcing furniture, trees, props, commissioning backdrops, arranging decorations and environments to closely match the film.

Staff Quarters San Miguel Bar, photos by Art Department

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Another key part of my role was leasing with many different large departments and allowing smooth communication with investors and brand partnerships to prioritise both the Brand’s Vision and interconnecting this with the overall and detailed looks of the vast site.

Collaborating closely with designers Tim & Ben, my role would involve taking into account their approved visual renders, changes required through rehearsal and unexpected environmental impacts. I would be able to suggest solutions, provide options and support in seeing their design vision to the highest quality. The Art Department would take on all creative decisions once the large scenic constructors had signed off major builds.

‘Max’s Lounge’ Tempus Two Bar, Campari Al Fresco Bar, Ice-cream Parlour, Food Outlets, Dance Studio photos by Art Department

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“When it comes to the set, the detail is wildly impressive, from Johnny’s black Chevrolet to the watermelons (go on, offer to carry one) they did well to transplant a New York country club to London”

Mel Evans, The Metro

“The activities are plentiful and fun and encourage learning new stuff and meeting new people. Then, when you’ve done all the wholesome activities there’s ingratiating yourselves with the staff and finding the staff quarters. This is a genuinely great bar devoid of the cheese, with great dancing and actors hauling half-gratified-half-terrified punters in for a twirl.”

Immersed In

“A vast recreation of a retro, all-American holiday camp with dance lessons, sports day events and louche staff parties. […] You’ll be swept up into a world of the ‘60s […] And after taking in all as much of the resort, the food stalls, bars, and set-pieces as you can (there’s a lot going on), you’ll begin to hear whispers. Rumours. Talk of a secret party, for staff only”

Jason Allen, The Nudge