Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be, Theatre Royal Stratford East

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Musical comedy, Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be, which was staged at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East, featured three grey bespoke shaped rear Projection Screens from J&C Joel.

Set at the end of the 1950s, Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be is a witty and warm-hearted musical set within a West End underworld of gamblers, spivs, prostitutes and Teddy Boys. Written by ex-con Frank Norman, the show tells the tale of Fred, a lovable rogue, who comes out of prison to find he is not quite the king of the manor he once was.

A special irregular pentagon shaped screen was supplied measuring six metres wide with a height of four metres which was flown in and out when needed. Two trapezoid shaped screens, one with a 7.7 metre width and the other with a width of 1.5 metres and both with a 2.5 metre drop were used as part of the backdrop on stage.

The backdrop screens were projected onto with an image of a glass street grid to emphasise the illusion of the set being underground. Outdoor scenery was also shown to show the change of scene. The images created an unusual harmony between the scenery and the atmosphere portrayed on stage.

The three screens allowed the atmosphere of the play to change instantly, creating a dark and somber ambience in one scene then switching to a bright and buoyant mood in the next, ensuring a fantastic and thought-provoking show for all those who watch.