Production Manager Paul Bull Wears Different Hats
Three months ago
it seemed so simple.
Last year I was
Sound Designer on David Benson’s Lockerbie: Unfinished Business produced by Festival Highlights. It
was performed at the Gilded Balloon where I have provided sound technical support
on behalf of the hire company, Orbital Sound, for the previous nine years.
about the planning – and I already knew many of the key players from three of the
venues.
I’m now at the
centre of twelve productions. And it does help that seven of this year’s productions
are at the Gilded Balloon – my summer residence since 2001. So, for the first
time since my Edinburgh debut in 1996, I’ve drilled holes and got paint
on my hands. And I’ve spent far too long in Homebase, especially at 8am in the
morning when they open.
I ponder why it’s
harder to hang an illuminated sign for Showstopper: The Improvised Musical than it was to get the giant 5.5m high, 12m
wide curved back wall on and off-stage for Oedipus (a great shout-out for riggers Craig and
Callum at the Pleasance for that one).
However, the long
hours have been worth it. And now all shows
are up and running, do I have time to put my feet up?
No, as well as
keeping all 11 shows in tip-top condition – today’s task will be sourcing new
Velcro for the tartan surround to Hardeep’s kitchen tables – as well as keeping
the sound systems running at Gilded Balloon, and a chance to catch up on
friends old and new and seeing shows from my ever expanding list of those I
want to see.
And who knows
what next year will bring? All I know is that whatever it is, I’ll be ready for
the challenge.
