For many people, going to the theatre is an escape from reality, a chance to immerse themselves into another world for an evening. But what does it take to get a West End production on stage and playing every night? I went to Get Technical! Behind the Curtain of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, an event created to highlight those behind the scenes of this fantastic show, as well as provide insight for budding young Bohemians to get into theatrical production.
Held in the main auditorium at the Piccadilly Theatre, Get Technical! began as every great musical must, with the opening number ‘Welcome to the Moulin Rouge!’ (as well as the ensemble pre-show), led by the event’s host Ian Carlyle lending his talent to cover the character of Harold Zidler. We then began the presentations with Deputy Stage Manager Kirsty Nixon explaining the stage management department, as well as Assistant Stage Managers Jo Serbyn and Rowan Stolton showcasing some of the cast-operated props used in the show. Kirsty then went on to showcase her calling sound, light and band cues during ‘Burning Down the House’, which was fantastic to be able to see and follow along with.
This was followed by the sound department, led by Ben Rees, and assisted by Leah Silverton and Ed Winnifrith. They each shared some of what their various roles (Head of Sound and Sound Assistants, respectively) involved, before Ben showcased how sound can be broadcast throughout different areas of the stage. Leah and Ed spoke through how they made each cast member’s microphone, operated, and fixed them, and how the different sections of the band come together for one of the musical numbers. We were then treated to Company Managers Anthony Field and Sam Griesser discussing their role and how ensuring the wellbeing of company and crew is passed through the entire theatre and what other duties Company Management involves on a day-to-day basis.
Moulin Rouge is very automation-heavy, with many set pieces being entirely automated with individual motors. Head of Automation Jack Wigley made a spectacular entrance on the swing flown in for Satine’s entrance in the show, discussed bringing such a technical element to the stage and brought on company Tech Swing Coral Nelson (a role which I didn’t know existed) to discuss her own entrance not only into technical production, but as a universally trained off-stage swing. Heading back onstage, George Hughes (Head of Stage) discussed the challenges of managing in-stage platforms, multiple types of curtains and showcased how the largest set piece (Satine’s Truck as it’s known) is flown in, assembled, and positioned, all whilst the show is playing downstage. This was great to see, as this sequence is usually hidden to audiences. We were also treated to Ben Rutter and Georgia Morgan’s aerial display as part of the ensemble.
The Deputy General Manager at the Piccadilly Theatre, Ellen Bleasdale, followed by showcasing the various departments managed in-house, such as box office, security and front-of-house staff, as well as several lesser known areas, including stage door. James McKeon (Resident Musical Director) then led out four members of the band, as well as Associate Musical Director Gemma Hawkins to discuss how the music is put into a musical, to roaring applause throughout the theatre. Maria Graciano wrapped up the staging departments, sharing her on-stage career before ending up at Moulin Rouge as Resident Choreographer. She was lovely and had a bubbly personality, which she shared was key to nailing auditions.
Verity Pitt, Head of Wigs, alongside Wigs Assistant Giulia Varvello detailed just what goes into creating and maintaining wigs, before demonstrating a quick-change of costume and wigs of an ensemble member, with Dressers Jessica Fletcher and Hannah Kuchar. They spoke about how they manage quick changes, and how they deal with any costume or wig issues that could arise in the middle of a show. Our final department presentation was given by Jack Berry, the Head of Lighting and Lighting Number 3, Ellie Brereton. They described the painstaking task of maintaining all 1000+ lighting elements throughout the auditorium, the technology they use to manage this and how each of them came to be in their various roles. The event ended with a Q&A with all of the departments on stage responding to all the audience could imagine!
Get Technical! is a brilliant idea for showcasing hidden talent in musical theatre and inspiring the next generation to consider careers behind the scenes in our theatres. We were each provided with a booklet signposting us to further resources we can consider for careers in the theatre industry, which will prove invaluable to many. Get Technical! is a lovely way to reach the future theatrical creatives and I’d love to see more productions run similar events. A huge thank you to the entire creative team at Moulin Rouge for sharing their knowledge!
Moulin Rouge is currently playing at the Piccadilly Theatre in the West End
