Project Highlights
Northway designed and built a custom timber theatre set for a local charity production in Ilkley, creating a large, lightweight and durable stage backdrop with detailed shaped sections to support the undersea theme.
Custom theatre set designed and built for a local charity production
Constructed using plywood sheeting and timber studwork
Detailed cut-outs created to support the undersea stage theme
Built to be lightweight, durable and suitable for live performance use
Project Overview
From time to time, Northway takes on projects outside of our usual building preservation work. In this case, a local charity in Ilkley asked us to help bring their stage production of The Little Mermaid to life by designing and building a custom theatre set.
The aim was to create a large, detailed backdrop that would look effective on stage while also being strong enough to withstand the demands of rehearsals, assembly and live performances.
The Requirement
The set needed to provide strong visual impact while remaining practical to transport, handle and install. Because it was being used in a live production, the structure also needed to be lightweight, stable and durable.
The design included complex shapes and cut-outs to reflect the undersea theme, meaning careful planning and accurate timber work were required throughout the build.
Works Carried Out
Northway constructed the theatre set using a combination of plywood sheeting and timber studwork. The finished structure spanned over five metres in length and was built with assembly, safety and durability in mind.
Each section was carefully formed to create the required stage effect, with joints, fixings and timber components considered so the set could be assembled securely on site.
Works included:
- Design and construction of a bespoke timber theatre set
- Plywood sheeting and timber studwork installation
- Shaped sections and cut-outs for the undersea theme
- Lightweight construction suitable for stage use
- Secure fixings and detailing for live production conditions
Outcome
The completed set provided a strong and visually effective backdrop for the charity’s production, helping transform the stage into an underwater setting.
Although different from Northway’s usual preservation projects, the work drew on the same principles of timber construction, careful detailing and durable workmanship. It was a rewarding local project and a pleasure to support a charity in the Ilkley community.
