VENUES: Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Encore
SCENIC DESIGNER AND LIGHTING DESIGNER: Richard Dinnen
ASSOCIATE SCENIC DESIGNER AND COSTUME DESIGNER: Verity Sadler
YEARS: 2018 (Escape), 2019 (Escape, Encore)
Building the World’s Most Entertaining Pub on Stage
Scenic Solutions collaborated with the creative team behind Choir of Man, a wildly popular musical and theatrical experience that brings the atmosphere of a British pub to stages around the world. Our task was to fabricate highly detailed and sturdy, but lightweight scenery able to withstand long-term ship movement and weekly production changeovers.
Detailed Scenic Fabrication for a Fully Realized Environment
A Pub That Feels Authentic from Every Angle
The scenic environment was designed to function as both a performance space and a character in the show itself—inviting audiences to feel like they’ve stepped into an actual neighborhood pub.
- Constructed a full bar setup with practical shelving, taps, and counters
- Integrated woodwork, brick textures, and pub décor to support storytelling
- Included interactive scenic elements that actors could climb, sit on, play from, and dance upon.
Engineered for Performance Efficiency
All set components were fabricated with mobility, speed, and durability in mind with specific attention to the ability to withstand the rocking of a ship in heavy seas.
- Easy to store and assemble/disassemble with sturdy construction for a fast change-over to the next show in rotation.
- Tables were built and reinforced to support a dancing 200 pound man.
- Built 3 similar sets configured for 3 different theatres on 2 different cruise ships
Elevating Audience Engagement Through Scenic Immersion
The result was a scenic package that delivered warmth, charm, and functionality—allowing the performers to break the fourth wall and turn each venue into a communal celebration. The set supported choreography, live music, and close audience interaction, all while maintaining the look and feel of a cozy, lived-in pub. Audience members were even invited onstage to drink beer from the bar as the show was performed!
Scenic Solutions: Your Partner for Immersive Environments
From intimate venue shows to large-scale theatrical performances, Scenic Solutions specializes in building durable, high-impact scenic environments that bring stories to life. Our work on Choir of Man demonstrates how great design and smart engineering can travel the world—without sacrificing authenticity or quality.
MAKE YOUR VISION A REALITY.
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