Technical Direction: Delivering The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry to the West End

Ammonite were delighted to work again as Technical Directors and Production Management for Chris Harper Productions' latest West End transfer; The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.

The technical studio was appointed to transform the Chichester run, in the intimate Minerva Theatre, to the Theatre Royal Haymarket’s proscenium arch, whilst maintaining the emotional connection with the audience.

As Technical Directors, Ammonite managed the full scope of technical design, including the stage, props, lighting, video and sound. They ensured a top-tier team of industry professionals were onboard to tell the emotional tale of a man searching for vindication from his past through a physical walk, but more notably an emotional journey.

The set pieces are a pastiche of English culture with elevated motifs which are engaging for the audience - a petrol station shimmering with metallic crisp packets, neon sale stickers and an even shinier check-out girl.

The more realistic set pieces ground the mood, like the flashbacks to Harold’s workplace, an industrial brewery framed by floor-to-ceiling metal sliding doors and aged wooden barrels. Every scene, every song, is a crucial part of Harold's emotional journey to self-forgiveness, through his eyes. The music carries the story with a perfect blend of folk and soul, reflecting Harold’s own musical taste.

Technical Design Highlights

The production design incorporated several key features:

Set: Wooden panelled flooring in a circular shape on the raked stage, flanked by blue marble effect panels creates the look of a barrel floating in water. The stage is framed by an assortment of natural plants and industrial metal pieces. These all blend into the story; Harold’s past working in the brewery and present walking through the English countryside.The LED ring around the metal frame and wooden floor creates a snow-globe effect for the audience, like we are peering into a world existing inside a bubble.

Sound: There is a balance between the diegetic sound of nature, the instrumental score and musical numbers which blend seamlessly into one another. Nature and folk music naturally marry together to transport you to Harold’s rural walk, whilst the musical numbers aid storytelling and mood shifts.

Props: The puppet ‘Dog’, which is operated by the ensemble, moves naturally with puppy-like charm.

Lighting and Video: The two elements work in unison - the LED video wall mimics handpainted skies at different times of day, with lighting illuminating the stage and cast to create visceral imagery.

Seeking Technical Direction?

If you require Technical Direction for your next event, show, or exhibition, contact the Ammonite team today.

Team Credits

Technical Directors - Rob Casey, Matt Roper and Genna Hill for Ammonite

Director - Katy Rudd

Designer - Samuel Wyer

Lighting Design - Paule Constable

Sound Design - Ian Dickinson & Gareth Tucker for Autograph

Video Design - Ash J Woodward

Props Supervisor - Lizzie Frankl for Propworks

Equipment supplied by:

Lighting - White Light

Sound - Autograph

Video - Universal Pixels

Set - Souvenir Scenic Studios

Rigging - Unusual Rigging

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By Grace McCaffrey

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