It's Full Steam Ahead for Belgrade Production Services

A brand new stage production of E. Nesbitt's The Railway Children premiered at the Exeter Northcott Theatre last week with an impressive set that was built in Coventry by Belgrade Production Services (BPS).

Designed by Timothy Bird, the set was brought to life at the Belgrade Theatre's set and costume manufacturing workshops on Red Lane by a team of highly skilled carpenters, welders and scenic artists.

The Tony-Award nominated designer Timothy Bird has spent over 10 years creating innovative designs for theatre shows and corporate commissions. He specialises in blending art with technology for the most effective storytelling, which is the philosophy behind his creative agency, Knifedge.

He said, "One major challenge with the Railway Children is to bring the trains to life on stage. We're doing this using, what we hope will be, a charming combination of traditional stage techniques, model trains and a little bit of bespoke film-making. Having worked with Belgrade Production Services on a number of shows, which have also required something of a hybrid approach, we knew they'd be a good partner. Excellent construction quality married with experienced theatrical problem solving has yet again made them a joy to work with. The icing on the cake, as ever, being the superb scenic paint quality delivered by Tim Murley and his team of expert artists."

As well as producing sets for the Belgrade Theatre's own productions, BPS has an impressive list of clients that include The National Theatre, Theatre Royal Stratford East, Theatre Royal Bath, The New York Museum of Modern Art and Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

BPS offers a comprehensive service including Computer Aided Design, carpentry, joinery, metal fabrication and installation of the completed set. In April 2015 BPS also secured funding to purchase a CNC Router machine, enabling the company to cut bigger and more complex scenery.

Tim Murley, Head of Scenic Art for Belgrade Production Services, said, "It was a pleasure to work on another great project with designer Tim Bird. It was a challenge to marry our scenic work with the printed and projection elements of this show, but the results are a great-looking set with a crossover of illustrative style and realistic looking textured set pieces."

The Railway Children will visit theatres across the UK later this year including the Belgrade Theatre this September when audiences will get the chance to see this family classic which promises plenty of intrigue, adventure, joy and jubilation.

The Railway Children plays on the Main Stage at the Belgrade Theatre from Mon 11 to Sat 16 September. Tickets are available now priced from £22.50 for adults, £17.50 for children and £62 for families. To book, call the Belgrade Box Office on 024 7655 3055 or visit www.belgrade.co.uk where tickets are cheaper.

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