The Scene is Set for ‘The Bubblegum Tree’

As work continues with stage rehearsals for ‘The Bubblegum Tree’, an eager set of pupils and staff have been hard at work behind the scenes to bring the show to life.

There is a lot to be done, and The Burrell Theatre is alive with activity as handcrafted set displays and props arrive, the tech team work their magic with lighting and sound, whilst costume and hair and make-up looks are perfected, as the Directors work through everything to bring it together into one amazing show!

One person heavily involved behind the scenes is Annie Lucas, who is a professional set and costume designer. She joined the Truro School Drama department last year for their production of Chicago, on a freelance basis. This time around, Annie has been busy designing and building the set, alongside Andrew Gill (Chair of the FTS, and a longstanding set builder for school productions). Annie has created mood boards, with reference images for the set design, which this year includes a square stage that the audience will be seated around on three sides and up into the balconies. This offers an exciting adaptation to the layout of the Burrell Theatre and provides the audience with a chance to be up close to the stage and part of the action.

In his studio, Andrew has been constructing the ‘Berlin Wall’, which pupils have started to bring into rehearsals, using this element of the set in their acting and rehearsing timings to move it around the stage. Annie has said of this piece, “The Berlin wall is formed from two (very decayed) Heras fencing panels — a physical barrier that can be seen through, both dividing and connecting the space. At its centre, the panels converge to create the trunk of the bubblegum tree, while a suspended canopy above suggests life and growth beyond constraint. Each location is realised through projected imagery — abstracted from original photographs — cast onto a gauze of hessian that compounds the textures of concrete, decay, to tell of the harshness of life in the DDR”. Other props are being added daily to the catalogue, with Andrew and Annie hard at work to bring the mood boards to life.

A highlight for Annie has been working and training pupils to pass on her wealth of theatre knowledge. She has especially enjoyed working with Year 11 pupil Tilly, who last year took on the role of wardrobe assistant. Tilly managed the wardrobe, managing the hang and return of garments, categorising and sorting them to a professional standard, preparing, maintaining and fitting – all under the watchful eye of Annie. Through their connection, Annie was able to introduce Tilly to Boom Theatre, where she has worked on two further productions in her own time. Seeing Tilly grow in confidence and be able to fully facilitate this role, to the standard expected of a professional wardrobe assistant, has been a pivotal moment for both.

Also working alongside Mr Oldfield on the production is Mr Cobb, who has recently taken on the role of Drama Assistant at the school. Alongside this, he has just started his second year as a Choral Scholar at Truro Cathedral. For The Bubblegum Tree production, he is embracing the role of Stage Manager. This involves the management of props, organisation of the set, and ensuring all events run smoothly from the rehearsals to the final curtain. Mr Cobb says, “I have already been utterly amazed and inspired by the pupils at Truro School. Their dedication and time commitment towards the upcoming play is admirable. I am excited to bring my knowledge and experience of singing to the play, and to teach parts to pupils. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching all pupils become deeply immersed in their roles. From the word ‘GO’ everyone enters the mind of their own characters and fully embodies the play’s setting. I am particularly impressed with the senior girl choristers, Celia, Farrah, and Jasmine. Not only are they all excellent singers of choral music in the Cathedral, but talented actresses. I have enjoyed working around obstacles with the pupils in the transition scenes. It is always a challenge executing them perfectly and the pupils are doing just that.”

Mr Cobb brings with him an array of experience, having sung in the choir of St John’s College, Cambridge, and then being awarded a music scholarship to Uppingham School. He has said of The Bubblegum Tree, “This play is entirely thought-provoking and entertaining. Not only does it cover deep moments of historical importance, but it also achieves a belly-aching laugh! Most importantly, it demonstrates some of the best the pupils at Truro School have to offer”.

Jasper, a pupil in Year 9, has been assisting with tech since the beginning of Year 8. He is involved in most areas, but his passion is lighting. Jasper has said, “I’ve worked on Chicago, Grim Tales, Twelfth Night, LAMDA Showcase, Shakespeare Festival, A Level Devised, GCSE Devised, Sports Day, Family Day, and The Charity Show. My favourite production has been Chicago, since I’ve always liked musicals and it was one of the first big shows I worked on at school”. Jasper has learnt a lot of skills during his time on the team, whilst receiving expert tuition from Mr Kearey, Technical Resources Manager. This includes teamwork, problem solving, time management and physical skills within technical theatre – lighting, sound, and rigging. Jasper shares, “I’d like to keep developing my technical skills to use in the future. I hope to move into electrical work after school, in domestic or commercial electrics”.

Tee J Randall has been choreographing the show and mentoring a team of dedicated pupils who will be bringing the characters to life. She has said, “Jon Welch’s ‘The Bubblegum Tree’ creates several worlds onstage; imaginary, real, aquatic and firmly grounded in 1973 Berlin. The choreographic challenge was to use movement to immerse the audience in these diverse realms, as the characters navigate the push and pull of memory, dreams, and harsh realities”.

The show will be taking place in The Burrell Theatre between Wednesday 19^th – Saturday 22^nd November 2022.

Tickets for the production are selling fast. Please use the link below to purchase yours.

“The Bubblegum Tree is a captivating thriller set in a sinister regime, where the brightness of human life shines through. Sensitively written, with wit and authenticity, it is a theatrical treat.”