Romeo and Juliet model box gallery



Click each of the four images to enlarge.

When a new ballet is created, the designer often creates a model box - a 1/25th scale model of the set - as a reference. Sometimes this will even include items of set dressing - Hayden Griffin's model box designs for Ragueneau's bakery in Cyrano even had shelves adorned with tiny pastries. Other times there may be lighting effects used - see the shots of John MacFarlane's Cinderella model box in David Bintley's video introduction to the 2010-11 season here.

Most importantly, the model box will often be functional, with accurate renderings of the wings and set cloths, which can be pulled in and out so that everyone can see how each scene will transform into the next. This is important as it can then be used to present a new production to the Company for the first time, to give an impression of the end result that they will all spend so many months working towards.



As can be seen from these shots of the original Romeo and Juliet model box, the accuracy that is maintained in the translation from the cardboard miniature to the vast wood and cloth final version is often breathtaking.

Birmingham Royal Ballet performs Romeo and Juliet across the UK throughout 2010. Visit www.brb.org.uk/romeo for details.