A brand new musical for the modern media age

Many of the locations and set requirements can be achieved minimally.

 

THE ‘FIVE-TO’ NEWSROOM

This is the show’s most used location. There needs to be a news desk for the main presenter and an area for presenting the weather. There needs to be a basic weather chart on which various weather symbols can be stuck. It should be low-tech because Melanie Summers complains about it being so. Ideally there would be a ‘Five To News’ Logo on view somewhere. Ideally there would be workspace and possibly computers for the news team to work at. TV cameras could be used if possible. These could be fixed or be shoulder mounted on crew.

 

HUNT PRESS CONFERENCE

Can be achieved very simply with just a lectern and or/microphone. However it takes place during the news bulletin so thought needs to be given as to how this will be achieved.

 

CHRISTMAS SHOPPERS SCENE

These street scenes cut in and out of the Newsroom and Press conference and require no specific set. The effect can be achieved with simple lighting.

 

DEPARTMENT STORE

Nothing special is required here. Possibly some signage with ‘queue here’ and an SDS Logo.

 

HENRY’S BEDROOM

This requires a bed and ideally a few simple bedroom props.

 

BLITZEN BULLET WORKSHOP

The Blitzen Bullet itself is one of the show's main features and dramatic opportunities. The design is obviously up to the individual production but it is imagined as some kind of rocket / car. The ‘pilot/driver’ needs to be able to get in and out. It is central to the song ‘The Blixen Bullet’ and ideally would be strong enough to carry the weight of someone standing/dancing on it! At first it must look rather dull. However (just like Greased Lightning) we need to see it transform to something quite impressive. This can be achieved quite simply by creating a frame and then fixing some cool bodywork to it. Also it ideally has cool lights attached to it. One idea is that to create the effect of it taking off at the end of the show, as the stage light dim and the engine roars. We see several of the lights rising into the air to create the effect that the whole machine is lifting. If done by a school production, it could be part of an interesting design technology project!  The actual workshop is in Hunt’s private mansion. As the action moves back there in the final scene there needs to be a visible fireplace surround large enough for Father Christmas to fall behind and then climb through.  There needs to be a large and portable battery which has a nozzle that connects to the Bullet in order to charge. The words ‘Danger: Ridiculously High Voltage’ should be clearly readable. The more dangerous and powerful the battery looks, the better.  

 

ALAN SPEED’S OFFICE

A basic desk, chairs and phone are required.

 

E.L.F MEETING PLACE

This should reflect some kind of old scout hut or even simple shed but no specific set is needed. There will need to be several chairs for the children to sit on.

 

THE FOWLER HOUSE

No specific set required.

 

THE E.L.F DEMO / STREET

This takes place outside the Ministry which is guarded by the policeman and policewoman. It requires no specific set. Perhaps a sign saying ‘Ministry of Children and Childish Affairs’ could be visible. Children should have some banners.

 

CHASE SEQUENCE

During this sequence the action moves from outside the Ministry to inside it. This could be created by having some puzzled suited civil servants watching the chase.

 

HUNT’S OFFICE

Ideally we would see the door leading into the office but this is not crucial. The effect will be more comic if we see the door to the office slowly opening as each character creeps in. It needs a desk under which Emily can hide. The desk needs a computer on it. There needs to be some sort of cupboard in which Charlie and Henry can hide. This will work best if there are clearly 2 compartments in the cupboard, for each character to hide in without one knowing the other is there until the doors are opened.

 

OUTSIDE FATHER CHRISTMAS’ FLAT

Ideally this requires a door with a letterbox, but it could work without.

 

INSIDE FATHER CHRISTMAS’ FLAT

Requires a table with some letters and some brandy. Perhaps a comfy/armchair for FC and a T.V.

 

CHLOE’S BEDROOM

Requires somewhere for her to write her letter.

 

CHOIR REHEARSAL

No specific set needed. Probably in a church or village hall. Music Stand for Choirmaster/Choir mistress.