PROPER PROPS

A theatrical property, commonly referred to as a prop, is an object used on stage by actors. Smaller props are referred to as "hand props". Larger props may also be set decoration, such as a chair or table. The difference between a set decoration and a prop is use. If the item is not touched by a performer for any reason it is simply a set decoration. If it is touched by the actor in accordance with script requirements, or as deemed by the director, it is a prop.

In pantomime hand props should, wherever possible, be big, bold, bright, colourful, and very visual. But then of course, you all know that, don’t you? Apparently not!

In my version of ‘Robinson Crusoe’ there is a scene where the Dame, her son, Billy, and Mayor Perkins, are trying to build a boat to escape from the desert island on which they have been shipwrecked.

It involves them putting ‘glue’ on a ‘plank’, and includes comedy business with the plank being swung around etc, and the ‘glue’, which I recommend is ‘custard pie’ foam, either hand-mixed or from a spray can, being slapped on people with a brush. Water could be funny, but it is not as visual as foam, unless a large quantity is sloshed around, which then presents the problem of having to clean up quite a mess.

I went along to see the initial production and lo and behold, the supposedly experienced company didn’t know that in pantomime, hand props should, wherever possible be big, bold, bright, colourful, and very visual.

The ‘plank’ was obviously a spare bit of wood from someone’s workshop, about 4 ins. (10 cms.) wide by some 5 ft. (150 cms.) long. The bucket containing the ‘glue’ was what you might call pint size. Some kind person had obviously given them an empty, 1kg. plastic tub, that at one time probably contained DIY adhesive. The brush was 3ins (7.5 cms.). wide.

The plank should have been at least 10 feet (300 cms.) long, and 9 inches (23 cms.) wide. It could have be made from a thin frame covered in painted hardboard or paper, so that it was easy to carry and manoeuvrable, but didn’t deliver too much of a punch when it hit people.

I’ll never understand metric, if I live to be a gross!

The bucket should be a full-size one, with the words ‘STICKY STUFF’ painted on it in large letters. The brush should be a large paste brush.

It goes without saying… so why do people need to be told?

peacheykeene.com have some fun clown props.

CLASS ACT # 7

Are these guys funny, or are they funny?

You can bet your sweet tooth that they have rehearsed this routine.