As we were in Plymouth, Grit and I thought it would be really nice to visit the TR2 centre which is the impressive workshop base for the Theatre Royal Plymouth. We phoned Julie Perrin who is actually a freelance scenic artist who leases the large paint frame. TR2 was immediately very impressive, new, and on a grand scale. To cover the obviously high overheads of the centre, they take on outside contracts. The wardrobe department were working on a show in Copenhagen. Many of Cameron Mackintosh’s shows are built, or part built, here and the Theatre Royal often opens shows prior to them moving to the West End. Julie Perrin is one of the country’s most skilful scenic artists and is kept very busy. Currently she is working on Mathew Bourne’s new Sleeping Beauty designed by Les Brotherston. This show will open in Plymouth prior to moving to Sadlers Wells. TR2 centre looks like a brilliant place to work, with large spacious workshops and some really nice quality work. I was very impressed by the quality of a plywood cove piece, built with great precision. Well done to whoever had the vision to create this valuable asset to British technical theatre.
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