The Sound of Music arrive in Hull – in ten lorries!
Over two days, using a crew of 35 people, the set of West End production The Sound Of Music was eventually unloaded into Hull New Theatre.
The mammoth task of moving the set began on Monday, when the first trucks rolled into the city. The set, which includes complicated moving parts, has been transported around the country and is now in place, ready for the start of the production this week.
The production’s Company Manager, Neil White, said: “It was a mammoth task to get it all in. We had to use ten 45ft trailers, when usually most productions need two or three.”
“We had people working all day Monday, overnight and then all day Tuesday to get it in. We needed to move it quickly, so rehearsals could start as soon as possible.”
Actress Verity Rushworth and singer Jason Donovan are the new stars of the show. Emmerdale star Verity, best known for her role as Donna Windsor, will play Maria, while singer and former Neighbours star Jason will play Captain Von Trapp.
Mr White said: “They are new to the production this year, so they needed time to rehearse with the set in place.”
The production opened to rave reviews and sell-out performances at the Wales Millennium Centre in July 2009, following a record-breaking 954 performances at the London Palladium, where it was seen by more than two million people.
Some of the set has been adapted since its run in the West End. The 20-tonne mountain was too heavy and complicated to move around the country and has been changed to fit in numerous different theatres. However, other complex pieces of equipment have been kept, such as the automated set which can quickly revolve from the abbey to the Von Trapp villa in a matter of seconds.
As well as the kit, which includes lighting rigs, scenery, costumes and instruments, 100 people will be backstage when the curtain rises.
Mr White said: “Basically, there will be the most experienced people in the business working on this show including the 14-man orchestra, crew and actors.”
The Sound Of Music opens at Hull New Theatre this Saturday, and runs through until Saturday, February 12.
Tickets cost from £12 to £37.50 and can be booked on 01482 226655 or online at www.hullcc.gov.uk/hullnewtheatre
Read more online at http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/news/stage-set-musical-favourite/article-3150273-detail/article.html
