Malory Towers by Enid Blyton at the Passenger Shed, Bristol.
Malory Towers by Enid Blyton at the Passenger Shed, Bristol.
Capturing the Magic of Malory Towers for Studio Three Sixty
I recently had the real pleasure of photographing the set and bar of the Enid Blyton-inspired play Malory Towers. The production was beautifully brought to life by the talented team at Wise Children, and it was showcased at The Passenger Shed, Bristol. This exciting project came through Studio Three Sixty, a company that specializes in audience experience design. The set itself was the creation of the incredible Lez Brotherston.
Photographing the Set with a Creative Eye
As a Bristol photographer, I’m often lucky enough to work on unique projects like this. Being on the set of a theatrical production, especially one as beloved as Malory Towers, allowed me to get creative with my approach. I wanted to make sure I did justice to the detailed and immersive design that Lez Brotherston brought to the stage.
This was a fantastic opportunity to break out my wide-angle lenses, which really came in handy for capturing the full breadth and depth of the set. The play’s setting had so much intricate detail, from the nostalgic touches of the boarding school to the inviting atmosphere of the bar area. Using a wide-angle lens let me capture those big, sweeping shots that showed off the full grandeur of the production design.
Working Quickly and Efficiently
Timing is everything in photography, and this shoot was no exception. I was given access to the set between performances, which meant I had to work quickly and efficiently while making sure the photos came out as polished as possible. This added a bit of extra excitement to the job—there’s something about working against the clock that really gets the creative energy flowing!
I’m no stranger to event photography or working under tight time constraints, and I find that staying organized and prepared is key. On this shoot, it was all about focusing on what shots I needed and how to capture them in the best possible light within the time I had.
Black and White Photography: A Different Perspective
For this project, I decided to showcase the photos in black and white. There’s something about monochrome photography that brings out the textures and contrasts in a way that color sometimes can’t. By removing the distraction of color, the viewer is able to focus purely on the shapes, shadows, and details of the set design. The black and white treatment felt like the perfect way to highlight the timeless elegance of the Malory Towers set, and I’m really pleased with how the images turned out.
The Magic of Theatre Photography
One of the best things about theatre photography is the chance to capture the behind-the-scenes magic that audiences don’t usually get to see. Being able to photograph a set when it’s empty, yet still full of energy and anticipation for the next performance, is a special experience. There’s a certain quiet beauty in a theatre set between shows – the calm before the storm – and I always enjoy trying to capture that atmosphere in my photos.
Explore More of My Work
If you’re interested in seeing more of my photography in Bristol and beyond, feel free to explore my website. I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects, from corporate photography to TV and film sets, and I’m always excited to take on new challenges. Whether it’s capturing a beautifully designed stage or working on an editorial shoot, I love what I do, and I’m always looking for the next project to dive into.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy the black and white photos from the Malory Towers set! Let me know what you think.
