Most of our work is seen long before the audience arrives.
In the workshop, sets begin as drawings, plans, and tiny model boxes — and from there our team builds everything full scale, piece by piece. We know every detail of the construction process, but we rarely get to see the finished set in its final environment.
That’s why production photos are always special for the workshop crew.
Seeing the scenery under stage lighting, surrounded by performers, costumes, and the atmosphere of the show is when everything finally comes together. It’s the moment we get to step back and see months of craftsmanship brought to life.
Production photography gives us the chance to appreciate the final result from a completely different perspective — and it never gets old.
Production: Comedy About Spies
Production Photography: Matt Crockett
#Theatre #StageDesign #SetConstruction #BehindTheScenes #WorkshopLife #ScenicConstruction #ProductionDesign #TheatreCraft
Behind the scenes at MI Workshops Ltd 🔥
What looks like shattered glass flying across the set is actually carefully crafted resin — designed to capture the drama of an explosive moment without the danger.
For this project, we created custom “glass” shards to simulate bottles smashing into a back wall. Every piece is lightweight, safe, and built to perform under pressure while still delivering that high-impact visual.
It’s all about combining safety with realism — because the best effects are the ones you believe are real.
Spot the scenic sample board in the background .... all for the same grungy '80's night club effect.
#SpecialEffects #BehindTheScenes #SetDesign #PropMaking #SafeEffects
🐾 Meet the real bosses of MI Workshops…
From the enthusiastic greeter to the laid-back supervisor, our four workshop dogs each bring their own personality to the team—and to your visit.
They might not handle the tools, but they’re experts in welcoming customers, boosting morale, and making the workshop a more enjoyable place to be.
If you’ve been in recently, you’ve probably met at least one of them. If not… you’re in for a treat next time 👀
#MIWorkshops #WorkshopLife #DogFriendly #MeetTheTeam #BehindTheScenes #OfficeDogs #UKBusiness
From workshop bench to stage.
This Victorian-style clock face was hand painted to give it the aged character needed for the production. Every numeral and detail was done by hand in greyscale to match the design of the piece.
The second photo shows it installed in the finished trick grandfather clock, ready for use on stage.
Props like this may only appear briefly in a production, but a lot of craftsmanship and problem solving goes into making them look authentic while still working as a practical stage effect.
#propmaking #stagecraft #theatreprops #behindthescenes #scenicart #theatredesign
From Milla Clarke’s detailed model box to a full-scale flying set for The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny with English National Opera.
What looks like a simple metal container on stage was a complex build behind the scenes. Using mixed truss previously used by ENO, the team created the structural framework — a giant 3D jigsaw that allows the set to fly and transform.
On stage it becomes many things: the truck bringing Begbick, Moses and Fatty to Mahagonny, a brothel, a hurricane shelter and more.
Great to see 5⭐ reviews and sold-out shows.
#SetDesign #SetConstruction #Opera #TheatreProduction #Backstage #TheatreCraft
Dry boots ...
After what feels like weeks of grey skies, relentless rain and battling the wind between buildings, it’s a welcome sight to see the sun finally shining ☀️
The yard in front of the workshops is thankfully starting to dry out, and for the first time in a while, walking from barn to barn isn’t an obstacle course of puddles and sideways rain. It’s amazing what a bit of blue sky can do — not just for the ground underfoot, but for everyone’s mood and productivity too.
Days like this are a reminder that progress isn’t always just about the big milestones. Sometimes it’s simply about appreciating the small wins — dry boots, calmer weather, and a clear run between workshops.
Here’s hoping this is the start of a settled spell and a productive week ahead.
#WorkshopLife #SmallWins #RuralBusiness #SpringSunshine
Where the magic really begins 🎨
Colour mixes. Notes. Ideas in motion.
A scenic artist’s notebook — well loved and full of creativity.
#BehindTheScenes #ScenicArtist #CreativeWork #TheatreLife #SetDesign
Not all great work is on the outside.
Here’s a look at the internal carpentry of a curved structure—complex, precise, and built to last.
Strong foundations start with skilled hands.
#CarpentryLife #QualityBuild #ConstructionWork
🎨✨ **Behind the scenes of a festive production** ✨🎨
These vac-formed shapes might look unusual, but they played a key role in bringing a much-loved children’s book to life as a Christmas production at The Curve Theatre, Leicester.
On this occasion, the shapes were *underpants* — carefully painted and finished as part of the scenic build for the show. A great example of how creative fabrication and detailed finishing come together to support imaginative storytelling on stage.
Proud to have been involved in a project that helped turn a familiar story into a magical live theatre experience.
#BehindTheScenes #TheatreProduction #ScenicArt #VacForming #PropMaking #ChristmasProduction #CurveTheatre #StageCraft #CreativeFabrication
