Sets at two Norfolk pantomimes have been created by a man who has helped craft props and
backdrops for arena shows by Take That, and Kylie Minogue as well as the Bridgerton period
television drama.
Nick Murley has provided the forest scenery for the upcoming Robin Hood festive fun at the Little Theatre, and the Snow White show at its sister venue St George’s in Great Yarmouth.
But in the past he has made a giant jewelled skull for Kylie to fly on, and a bubble-blowing giant purple caterpillar for Take That’s Shine routine.
He has also painted lush scenery for Bridgerton, the Brit awards and the Royal Shakespeare
Company as well as major theme parks, dungeon tourist attractions, and musical shows ranging from opera to cruise ships. But while making pieces for 20,000-capacity arenas has been fun, he has also enjoyed making magical scenes for the much smaller 160-seater Little Theatre, and 220-seater St George’s.
“The big stuff is exciting but you are just a small cog doing a job in a big team. Working for a small venue is much more personal and fulfilling, because you get to know everyone involved,” he said.
Nick has been a professional scenic artist for 20 years, but got his first taste of theatre as an eight-year-old child chorus member in Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat back in 1986. He got an early taste of am dram pantos on stage as a youngster and because his parents used to write and provide musical direction for them back in their native Staffordshire.
His first taste of theatre technical work came when he was 18 and was asked to operate some
lighting at a panto while studying at art college, setting him on the path to performing arts career. Now it’s his scenery work that is in the spotlight on stages big and small across the entertainment world.
See Nick’s work during Robin Hood which runs from December 13 to January 4 (Book at
www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or by calling 01263 822347) and Snow White runs from
December 13-31 (www.stgeorgestheatre.com, 01493 331484).
Director Nick Earnshaw working on the set with scenic artist Nick Murley.
