Construction, creating the Priscilla set

By Chris Valli

There is a Priscilla shoe/ heel which stands out like the proverbial at the Blenheim Musical Theatre workshop among an assortment of timber, stairs and artefacts from yesteryear.

Defined as a prop, the shoe is bold and in some ways sits as a metaphor for the transgressional roles that society pushes people into when it does not accept them as they are.

Indeed, the shoe will be utilised in the ASB Theatre foyer where patrons can have their photos taken come production time. Fabulous indeed.

Head of construction for Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Lloyd Bush says the set comes in two containers.

Construction he says at this stage consists of making steps for access in and out of the orchestra pit when it comes to moving into the theatre. They will also be used during the production for cast access to and from the stage.

“The set belongs to and has come from Showbiz Christchurch,” he says. “The (Priscilla) bus is currently in the container and we won’t see it until we move into the (ASB) theatre. It’s all rather exciting.”

Lloyd has been the face behind the scenes of many a Blenheim Musical Theatre production with his involvement in all things construction. He joined the BMT family in 2011 in the production, My Fair Lady which he estimates equates to at least 21 shows during his tenure. He acknowledges Robin Boyce who looked after many a set construction as a former head of department.

“I like the people,” he says. “It’s not work. In my day jobs previously I used to work as part of a team and now I work on my own. It’s nice to be able to work and be involved as part of a team. I love the construction side of it. I remember coming along here back in the day and meeting the likes of Bob Tapp and building stuff. Then they asked, what nights can you help backstage,” he laughs.

Lloyd says the construction team will assemble in the theatre about a week - 10 days before the production starts. The ‘workshop’/construction team consists of up to seven, eight volunteers with at least five regulars. This production they welcome local builder Aaron Bell who is married to production manager Liana Bell.

Aaron says joining the team backstage has given him a new perspective on the commitment being involved with a production brings.

“The work that goes into it has certainly been an eye opener,” he says. “The enjoyment it brings people is quite noticeable. There certainly are some characters involved. It’s their normal and it’s nice to see that they can be themselves.”

When asked if there were any parallels between working on a building site and working in the BMT workshop Aaron says transitional skills certainly help with the construction team.

“There’s a bit more light on a building site,” Lloyd quips. “A lot of people don’t see the work and effort that goes on behind the scenes, it’s good knowing you’re involved with it and part of the team or process,” says Aaron.