The release coincides with the online broadcast of The Old Vic’s production and it’s put together by costume makers who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic. Done in collaboration with the printing company Prompt Side (which confectionated the backdrops for the musical), all of the prospects will be destined to charity organizations which provide support to theatre professionals affected by the lockdown.
It’s usually said by performers that the success of every production is thanks to the work of many, many people behind the scenes. And clearly the pandemic has made no exception. Over the past weeks, it’s been not only actors and singers that have organised different campaigns in support of the theatre community – many others from the creative side have come up with imaginative ideas to keep its flame alive during the darkest of times this industry has ever faced.
One of the last ones to join this cause is West End’s celebrated set designer Jon Bausor. The man behind such well-known shows like Bat Out Of Hell and Lord of The Flies, as well as many Royal Shakespeare Company’s productions, his latest contribution is a series of face masks based on The Grinning Man, featuring original artwork and with all of its prospects destined to the charity organisations Theatrical Guild, Acting for Others and the Fleabag Support Fund.
The release of these masks coincides with the online streaming of The Old Vic’s production, which can be watched on the following link until Friday 3rd. The items have been put together by freelance costume makers who have lost their jobs during the pandemic – all of whom have received an ethical wage, according to the campaign’s creator. The masks, which are printed for free by the company Prompt Side (which printed the backdrops of the original show), will be used by the show’s main cast, including Louis Maskell (Grimpayne) and Andy Serkins.
You can purchase your Grinning Man mask, available for £15 (plus P & P), here.
First Night Magazine 