Paneltex Sustainably Supports Local Theatre’s Hit Production
Paneltex is pleased to continue its support of the arts with donations made to East Riding Theatre Company for their winter production of “Frost Hollow Hall”. A retelling of Emma Carroll’s children’s book of the same title, the story focuses on the aftermath of principal character Tilly Higgins’ near-death experience as she uncovers the decade-old secrets of a young boy’s drowning in a nearby pond. The performances, which ran from 9 December 2021 to 2 January 2022 at the East Riding Theatre in Beverley, were the world première of the live enaction of the novel as adapted for the stage by East Riding Theatre Company Artistic Director Adrian Rawlins.
Equal parts heart-warming story of forgiveness and dramatic exploration of grief, the East Riding Theatre Company’s production of “Frost Hollow Hall” was a theatrical tour-de-force, with an erratic but engaging pace and just enough levity – and festive spirit – to keep the performance from crossing into the macabre. Of particular note was the riveting performance of Tilly by local actress Jo Patmore, whose emotive monologuing and earnest interplay with other cast members brought a sense of sincerity and cohesion to the production.
The theatre company made use of excess manufacturing materials and offcuts from Paneltex in the production’s understated and elegant set, designed by Brad Caleb Lee and lit by Simon Bedwell. The relationship between Paneltex and the East Riding Theatre is a longstanding one, with many of the East Riding Theatre’s sets built using Paneltex’s waste panel materials, which are uniquely suited for a second life in the arts.
“The lightweight, durable insulation foam used by Paneltex in their insulated panel manufacturing is an excellent set material,” explains Sue Kirkman, Manager East Riding Theatre. “It’s formable and carveable, but strong enough to be used for almost any application, and it’s light enough for cast members to move it quickly on and off stage.”
When asked for the reasoning behind Paneltex’s decision to supply the theatre company with materials, Phil Carrick, Panel Shop Manager said “Paneltex is committed to sustainability, and part of that commitment is our recognition that reducing waste and reusing waste product is always preferable to recycling. Although we do recycle most of our excess materials, we’re always looking for ways we can give things a second life. The partnership we have with the East Riding Theatre allows us to not only reduce the resources consumed by recycling excess materials or using new materials for set production, but it also allows us to support our local arts in a material way.”
Paneltex is looking forward to supporting East Riding Theatre’s next production.
East Riding Theatre Frost Hollow Hall | Designer – Brad Caleb Lee, Lighting Designer – Simon Bedwell, Photography – Gavin Prest
To find out more about East Riding Theatre, you can visit the website. WWW.EASTRIDINGTHEATRE.CO.UK