Backstage pass

APHOTOGRAPHIC exhibition is revealing the unseen work that goes into bringing theatre to life on stage. Photographer Fraser McGee was given access to all areas of Birmingham Repertory Theatre during a month-long residency project last year.

During this time he shot over 600 black and white images capturing the nature of the one of the biggest producing theatres in the country.

The pictures capture the craftsmanship that operates behind the scenes, from the materials to the finished props.

Fraser said: “The opportunity to tell the story of the unseen, almost industrial side of the theatre really grabbed me.

“Walking through the backstage area of The Rep is not what you might expect. Passing through the workshop, you can’t help but be struck by the sheer size of the space.

‘‘The array of manufacturing material and equipment, the aroma of freshly cut wood and the smell of newly welded steel all adds to the feel of a factory.

“The exhibition is essentially about the hard work, skills, dedication and the passion of all the people at The REP that results in each and every production.”

Each year The Rep presents 80 productions across its three stages ,many of which are commissioned, built, rehearsed and premiered in the city.

A number of productions then also go on to tour nationally and internationally, showcasing theatre made in Birmingham to a

wider audience.

The theatre houses a large set construction workshop, where they make each component part of a set from timber and steel.

There’s a scenic paint shop where all sets and props are brought to life with colour and where artistic talent is used to create spectacular scenery.

And there’s a small props workshop which makes realisticlooking objects such as moving models and puppets, plus a wardrobe department which creates costumes.

Clare Jepson-Homer, of Birmingham Repertory Theatre, said: ‘’We wanted to see how someone who knew nothing of us would see our theatre, giving a new perspective.

‘‘From the stacks of timber in the workshop to the closed doors of the rehearsal room there are so many hidden angles to The REP.

‘‘The majority of our audience only ever see the finished show on stage – they never witness the backbone and labour of love that goes into creating each show.

‘‘Fraser’s collection of photographs is a celebration of the making of theatre.”

Originally from Glasgow, Fraser relocated to Birmingham in 2006 when working in the healthcare industry. In 2018 Fraser was able to turn his passion for photography into a profession.

Titled Production, the exhibition is at the Medicine Bakery & Gallery, New Street, Birmingham, in the old gallery space of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, until August 5.