The House Lights Grow Dim

When I was in my early twenties I met Joe Meehan. Joe, then had built a vast resevoir of knowledge and experience of theatre in Sligo. He had liked some scenes I painted for a school production of The White Horse Inn, and invited me to work on the set for the next production of the Sligo Musical Society.
It was the beginning of an exciting involvement for me as set painter and designer working with Joe, in many productions in the Hawkswell Theatre, Sligo.
Following weeks of effort by us, the house lights in the theatre would grow dim and conversation in the auditorium subsided. There was an air of expectation in the now darkened hall. The curtains opened and an appreciative murmer greeted the scenery. That moment, before a word was spoken onstage, was the moment most savoured by the backstage team.
From my initial, sometimes vague design concept, and together with Joe's store of knowledge and practical experience we had determined the shape the set would eventually take. I remember us planning together for big productions like The Pirates of Penzance, Viva Mexico, My Fair Lady and Where's Charlie. We also also created settings for plays and Summer cabaret shows producing satisfying environments within which the cast could perform, and act out their roles. Another member of our backstage team was Phelim O Doherty, who took responsibility for the construction of the stage scenery and properties. Between us, we also took charge of the movement of scenery on and off the stage between acts so that the pace of the production was maintained. Joe as stage manager, had us, and any co opted stage hands drilled so that we worked like a well oiled machine, most of the time.
In most productions I think I succeeded in producing a set that not just looked right but also one that worked well for the director, the cast, the stage crew as well as the audience. There were some parts, of all of these sets that I liked, but my favourite was the one I did for Guys and Dolls. For some reason eveything came together in it, and by being innovative and confident in our approach we created a set that captured the mood of this great show. Its effectiveness added to the enjoyment of everyone in the theatre, especially me.
I especially loved the planning of a show and discussing with Joe, the design of the set I planned to make. We spent many hours talking about productions in the shop he owned in Grattan Street. His premises is the brown building on the right, Meehan Bros.
This year in our school we are staging Guys and Dolls in the small College Theatre. I am looking forward to this years production and reminiscing on the one I enjoyed so much twenty eight years ago.