Close your eyes. Ask your theatregoing companion to (assuming they’re not feeling mischievous) guide you into the auditorium towards your seat, and sit down. Open them – and all of a sudden, you’re amidst the arid climes of sprawling desert metropolis Agrabah, trapped in the repression of a jaded financially bereft St Louis, shivering in the snowfall of small-town Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, or revelling in the majesty of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Such is the power, quality and – lest it need be said – sheer imagination of the West End theatres’ set designers, set to be celebrated at this Sunday’s Olivier Awards with Mastercard ceremony. Offering us an insightful glimpse into the original designs from the minds of the designers nominated for the Blue-i Theatre Technology Award for Best Set Design, Bob Crowley (Disney’s Aladdin and The Glass Menagerie), Rob Howell (Groundhog Day) and Christine Jones (Harry Potter And The Cursed Child) have imaginations which truly know no bounds.
Bob Crowley, Disney’s Aladdin
Credit: Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre – Bob Crowley © Disney
Bob Crowley
Cave of Wonders – ‘Friend Like Me’
Jasmine’s Balcony
Marketplace – ‘One Jump’
Bob Crowley, The Glass Menagerie
Credit: Production photo by Johan Persson
Rob Howell, Groundhog Day
Credit: Rob Howell/Groundhog Day
Isobars Elevations
Isobars Views
Old Vic Portal Backwall
Bedroom Truck
Houses
Bedroom Facing Upstage
Bedroom Facing Downstage
Sunrise
Diner
Car Chase Pt. 1
Car Chase Pt 4
Christine Jones, Harry Potter And The Cursed Child
Credit: Production photos by Manuel Harlan
