We know we're in Paris, but is this person a he or a she? A man or a woman? What confusion... what fun!
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Sedos were in a dilemma, the rights of their scheduled show had been withdrawn and the director didn't have a backup so not only did they not have a show, but no director.
I was on the committee at the time and therefore offered my services and had the choice of two shows: Anything Goes and Victor/Victoria. Considering the latter includes one of my all-time favourite show tunes "Le Jazz Hot" it was a no-brainer. There is much hilarity and humour in this show, plus moments that tug on the heartstrings and all of these elements meant I was determined to create an authentic production, drawing out those moments in equal measure which we worked hard with the cast to ensure we did just that.
What I didn't do in making my choice, (and have subsequently learnt from the experience) was read the script! Although I knew the film well, I'd forgotten the farcical scene depicting different hotel rooms, on different floors and the significant number of locations - how could I make this work in the close confines of the Bridewell Theatre?
Set in 'gay' Paree in 1934, I wanted to incorporate period touches throughout including the set, and costumes. I was also keen to have the iconic structure of the Eiffel Tower, visible at all times. But how to represent the hotel rooms, and numerous scene changes?
Easy - we create two large half-circle raised structures on either side of the stage and put them on a pivot. When one side was visible to the audience, the backstage side was being frantically re-dressed by the stage crew. We represented the various hotel rooms with clever lighting and using the raised levels.
Victor/Victoria is a fascinating story and a real challenge for any actor - and we were incredibly fortunate to have a fabulous actress/singer/performer (Emma McAllister) step up to that challenge, hardly ever off the stage, in the role of a lifetime.
Playing opposite her, the equally talented and charming (Alex Magliaro) meant the chemistry built and sizzled throughout the show - drawing out those poignant moments really well. I am tremendously proud of the production team, all the cast and crew of this production, it was not easy and was pulled off in a reduced timescale.
Photography by Nick Fyson