Entering a theatre auditorium can be like entering another world. And when that happens, it’s mission accomplished for London’s world-class set designers, who year after year conjure up jaw-dropping settings in theatres throughout the West End. This is never more the case than the four Olivier Awards 2019 with Mastercard nominees up for the Blue-i Theatre Technology Award for Best Set Design.
Combining ingenious design with extraordinary imagination, it’s been a sterling year for London’s set designers, and these four nominees are a case in point. We’ve been transported to a buzzing, shape-shifting, neon-lit city life by Bunny Christie‘s design for Company; we’ve been whisked away to modern New York City by the effervescent design of Bob Crowley for The Inheritance; we’ve delved into an American epic tale, spanning three centuries of world-changing impact, thanks to Es Devlin‘s set for The Lehman Trilogy; and we’ve stepped into the 1950s-styled house of Home, I’m Darling‘s Judy and Johnny, resplendent with intricate details from Anna Fleischle‘s imagination.
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But where did those worlds begin? In the sketchbooks of the nominees, which they’ve kindly invited us to take a look into below. We – and they – will find out who’ll win the Best Set Design award at the Royal Albert Hall this Sunday (7 April).
You can find out more about the Olivier Awards 2019 here. And if you’re feeling inspired by the below, make sure to check out our Inspiring Future Theatre section to learn more about off-stage careers in all forms.
Bunny Christie; Company
Credit: Bunny Christie
Bob Crowley; The Inheritance
Credit: Bob Crowley
Es Devlin; The Lehman Trilogy
Photo Credit: Mark Douet
Anna Fleischle; Home, I’m Darling
Credit: Anna Fleischle
