| Theatre sets are incredibly varied and designers | | | | The box set made of flats is still used most of |
| seem to delight in dreaming up more and more | | | | the time but it has been enhanced by the use of |
| unusual concepts, often incorporating the latest | | | | video technology. For example, a recent touring |
| technology, to delight and sometimes baffle | | | | production of "The Pillowman" by Martin McDonagh |
| audiences. Having a convincing theatre set will | | | | was constructed of clear walls. This enabled the |
| really bring the audience into the production and | | | | projection of suitably disturbing images which |
| convince them that they"re part of the | | | | were a reflection of the dystopian society in |
| production. | | | | which the play was set. |
| Theatre sets were traditionally made of flats. | | | | Some theatre sets dispense with the idea of the |
| These flats formed the three sided box, open to | | | | box set completely and productions can be |
| the audience which was the traditional set of | | | | staged in the round. This is where the audience |
| proscenium arch theatres such as those in the | | | | surrounds the action on stage. In traverse is |
| West End. In fact, the theatrical expression are | | | | where the audience are seated either side of the |
| breaking the fourth wall comes from this. When | | | | playing area. |
| an actor breaks the invisible fourth wall, they are | | | | The complexity of theatre sets and the |
| engaging directly with the audience. The idea is | | | | prohibitive expense of storing them have |
| that the set is made of four walls but the front | | | | accelerated the growth of specialist set hire |
| one is invisible (so that the audience can see | | | | companies like Keeley Hire. If you're looking for |
| what's happening inside the box.) The breaking of | | | | props to help enamour the spirit of your |
| the fourth wall is constant in some types of show | | | | production, were sure to have what you're looking |
| such as pantomimes. | | | | for at Keeley Hire. |