Gaslight fireplace

Gaslight was written in 1938 but is actually set in late Victorian London around 1890. At Progress we like adapting and reusing things especially if they are free! The fireplace in the photo below is from our props store and has been used in other productions. The stove was found in a skip and while it may not actually be Victorian it is cast iron and certainly looks the part, It will be made to look like it is burning with the magical use of smoke and mirrors (well smoke and lights anyway).

They are also reusing the beautiful leather sofa that was first bought and renovated for Blithe Spirit in June 2013. The sofa and chairs have been seen on stage a few times since then in various combinations and settings. In this production they will also be using the wing backed armchair you can see behind it in the photo.

You can also see the wooden bureau that prop finder extraordinaire Tony Powell sourced from his mother's flat. During the set build session it was mainly being used as somewhere to leave tools but by opening night everything will be cleaned polished and looking perfectly in keeping.


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Auditions for Killer Joe Wednesday 28th January 7.30 Progress Theatre

Gaslight by Patrick Hamilton, 7.45 Monday 23rd February – Saturday 28th February 2015 at Progress Theatre

Auditions for The Weir by Conor McPherson, Sunday 15th February 2.30 or Tuesday 17th February 7.30 Progress Theatre (details available on the website soon)

Animal Farm by Peter Hall, adapted from the novel by George Orwell, 7.45 Monday 23rd March - Saturday 28th March 2015 

Talking Heads by Alan Bennett, 7.45 Monday 20th April - Saturday 25th April 2015

Killer Joe by Tracey Letts, 7.45 Monday 18th May - Saturday 23rd May 2015

Muskets for the Three Musketeers

Any staging of The Three Musketeers is going to need swords and, of course, muskets.

Kevin Copping (Aramis) modelling one of the muskets

Fortunately there are people involved in this production who were able to source both. Ian Belcher, who plays Athos, is involved in LARPing (Live Action Role Play) which he described as like cross country pantomime. During a LARP participants dress up and physically act out their characters actions using props were appropriate. In this case Ian's beautiful Renaissance era muskets are very appropriate.

The detail on one of the muskets

Even though the muskets are only models they still have to be kept safely under lock and key while at the theatre. Alex McCubbin who has various roles on stage is also official armourer for the production. This means he has to make sure that as soon as the muskets come off stage they are whisked away and locked back in their box.

Dani Davies from Reading Between the Lines theatre group has been working on the production choreographing the fight scenes. She has lent her swords to the production and made sure that all the actors now how to perform a stage fight so it looks exciting but is not dangerous.

You can enjoy all the action and adventure in The Three Musketeers safe in the knowledge that you won't be threatened by a musket or hit by a stray sword.

If you are interested in what goes on at Progress Theatre then sign up to this blog. Enter your email in the box under ‘about us’ and click on subscribe. New postings are made roughly weekly so you won’t be swamped with emails. 

The Three Musketeers by Ken Ludwig from the novel by Alexandre Dumas 7.45 Thursday 15th January – Saturday 24th January 2015, matinees on the Saturday afternoons 2.30, Progress Theatre

Killer Joe auditions Sunday 25th 5.30pm or Wednesday 28th 7.30pm Progress Theatre

Gaslight by Patrick Hamilton, 7.45pm Monday 23rd February – Saturday 28th February 2015 at Progress Theatre