Author Topic: PROPS: Happy Days Parasol  (Read 3292 times)

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kittymcgee

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PROPS: Happy Days Parasol
« on: May 10, 2015, 06:57 pm »
Hello all,

I am currently working on a production of Beckett's Happy Days down here in Australia (Brisbane to be precise) and I'm having some trouble finding details/ideas for how best to build the self-immolating parasol described in the play. It has an over-extended handle (in that it is able to be lengthened approx. double the average length of a parasol), and needs to ignite in flames (preferably triggered by actress holding handle), burning only the canopy. It also obviously needs to be reusable to last a whole season's worth of shows (about 30 or so).
Has anyone here worked on Happy Days before and could shed some light on the situation? Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers!
Kat

iamchristuffin

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Re: PROPS: Happy Days Parasol
« Reply #1 on: May 11, 2015, 10:40 am »
My first thought (though this is NOT a cheap option, and probably would take a little time to reset!) is a metal frame, and the parasol is made from Flash Paper. The performer then has a button to spark a flint (similar to how a lighter is ignited), which would set the paper alight.

I understand this probably isn't a viable solution, but might be a starting point for someone smarter than I?

Cx

loebtmc

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Re: PROPS: Happy Days Parasol
« Reply #2 on: May 11, 2015, 01:52 pm »
If you look under BTDT and enter the play's title, I see that someone has entered the show, so has done it and may well be able to advise -

kittymcgee

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Re: PROPS: Happy Days Parasol
« Reply #3 on: May 11, 2015, 06:03 pm »
@iamchristuffin Thanks for that, I think that's what we're leaning towards but it's good to have confirmation that we're on the right track :D

@loebtmc Sounds great - can I show my complete and utter ignorance and ask what BTDT is please?

iamchristuffin

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Re: PROPS: Happy Days Parasol
« Reply #4 on: May 11, 2015, 07:09 pm »
No problem!

BTDT (Been There, Done That) is a database listing past productions by each member of SMNetwork. It can be searched by Venue, Title, or Member, and can be found in the top right corner of this page!

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kittymcgee

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Re: PROPS: Happy Days Parasol
« Reply #5 on: May 11, 2015, 07:14 pm »
Fantastic - thanks so much for that! Going to go exploring there I think!

loebtmc

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Re: PROPS: Happy Days Parasol
« Reply #6 on: May 12, 2015, 12:52 am »
kittymcgee - glad that helped, and hope the person who did it has answers for you - BTDT has been a remarkable resource! And don't forget to add your own info to the list!

Lizzie

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Re: PROPS: Happy Days Parasol
« Reply #7 on: May 14, 2015, 04:47 pm »
Entirely at a tangent to the question asked, I am now singing the 'Happy Days' theme song ("Sunday, Monday, Happy Days...").  :-\