LULU, the creation of a lassy with a ‘classy chassis and a great backside!’

Only a few weeks to opening night...

No, no your eyes aren't decieving you..John Gayler has, after an enormous amount of bulling by me, written a blog. And it's coherent. And the spelling is correct. This is a day to tell your grandchildren about. I must warn you though this blog contains several four letter words. Like 'weld' and 'apex'.

When Neil told me that I was going to be responsible for set construction the one item that presented the greatest challenge was the ‘observation platform’ / railway carriage that Mack and Mabel play their romantic scene on. It also revolves and doubles as the Roman scene that follows, has to be strong enough to safely carry the two leads, light (I do listen Mr M.) and mobile, and because of its’ size it has to live on stage in the scene dock. No problem.

A metal frame was essential and fortunately I had a supply of mild steel box section and sheet metal. Once cut to size and prepped it was welded up by Joe Dunwoody, a long standing friend and car body bodywork repair expert ( 01425 618055 ), who has happily risen to the challenge. There have been numerous design changes with health and safety in mind but I hope the end result will compliment the high standards of our “stars”.

Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. Joe ‘spots’ or ‘dobs ‘ in the first weld.

First castors are on with wooden platform, buffer board and lower backboard. Support for steps and handrails in place but not welded.Two empty paint cans, drainpipe and two ceiling plates for light for light fittings and you’ve got buffers , but don’t tell anyone.

Lulu is hoping to hook up with a good looking restaurant car after the show.

Redesign the steps because people get on and OFF the train. Picnics etc weren’t in my script and I only discovered this the day before the final welding was due. I sat in on the train scene rehearsal and watched as Lou, Frank and Lorraine climbed up and down. Size restrictions had meant that I originally designed the steps for climbing up and not descending and certainly not in a ladylike manner. Welding was hastily postponed !

New steel platform. Joe had commented that even with my slender figure the floor could do with reinforcing and I envisaged a nightmare scenario where Frank and Lou disappeared, so replaced wooden floor with steel and bracing.

Top rail from a wooden bed-head (skip) which was also going to make the main railing until I found vertical rails from a cot frame (skip). And then Lou climbed up the steps during the ‘Sopley Sort’ and nearly went base over apex across the rails, necessitating a 4” increase in top rail height and new vertical rails.

Now I’ve just got to add a carriage back with door, roof, wheels , springs and odd trim all finished in “indigo blue with old gold accessories”. My sincere thanks to Joe for his patience and advice.

John Gayler