A Little Look #BTS…
The start of 2022 has really has gone off with a bang at Leith Theatre, and we are happily submerged in the middle as a production is being crafted all around us. Even before Christmas, we already had some production crew on site and we were gradually getting shoot ready.
It’s true that we often stumbled across the Director Hope Dickson-Leach lurking in strange corners of the building in the semi darkness, huddled into a huge padded coat and writing, immersed in all things Leith Theatre. We didn't realise then, but the creative process was already well underway. This film-eyed-creative was storyboarding, scripting, envisioning camera shots and visualising rooms which have now fully come to life.
January was the month where everything changed. Every day saw new things appearing; new colours in rooms, wallpaper going up, props appearing. There have been sets getting built all over our wonderful theatre by creative wizards - there’s really no other way to describe them!
Now that it’s February, there’s no ignoring the presence of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. It is a powerhouse. After New Year, you could feel the scale and pace increasing as all the individual components of this groundbreaking film and theatre production slotted into place and moved firmly on site.
So what does that mean for us?
It means early starts, long days, COVID systems, production solutions, and lots of building fix-its, but getting production-ready with a whole team of “can do” and “I can make that work” type people has been really inspiring! Last week was pre-shoot week which really did mean full gas. Thankfully (and unsurprisingly) it’s a well-oiled machine, everyone knows exactly where they need to be and we’re all working together to get to the same point.
The LT office is just behind one of the sets so we are right in it and it is a treat! Quietly listening to actors rehearsing and filming while we are there in the background, and watching cast moving through costume and character, lighting changing and rooms being transformed. Behind the office wall when the “action” call comes across the walkie-talkies, we stop using our keyboards and hold our breath, waiting on the following “take” to allow us to unfreeze and carry on.
The press have been busy too – we have loved seeing the wonderful images and stories about this groundbreaking production happening in our venue.
Even the cold hasn’t dampened spirits! This production has shown just how adaptable the venue can be, and quite frankly, we think she is relishing her chance to shine! It makes all the tricky elements of this beautiful space worthwhile to hear crew and actors saying that they think the theatre is amazing and they’d love to work here again (granted, maybe in warmer weather!)
Mirroring the Jekyll and Hyde story, behind the glossy façade of the current film set, lies our semi-derelict reality. We’re trying to remind everyone of the importance of this Grade 2 listed building and its value in Edinburgh while also appreciating being the temporary home to so many talented creative folk (and their various padded jackets).
Yes, we’re enjoying the film/theatre journey immensely, but it’s only one part of our wider journey of getting this complex back up and running and operating on a permanent basis for many more creative offerings in the future.
Stay tuned for more behind the scenes film musings soon!