ISOBEL NICOLSON Designer for Performance
Lone Flyer
Set Designer
A set design for two different Watermill production, two weeks rehearsal for each, and two weeks in the lime light before new Covid restrictions closed both shows. Lone Flyer told the story of the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia in 1930: Amy Johnson, from humble beginnings to becoming one of Britains most influential female aviators. The set design went on to evoke a Dickensian London for A Christmas Carol; see production shots here. Later in 2021 Lone Flyer transferred to Jermyn Street and Hull Truck Theatres.
Amy (Hannah Edwards) and Jim (Benedict Salter)
Amy (Hannah Edwards) and the Porter (Benedict Salter)
Amy (Hannah Edwards) and her father (Benedict Salter)
"Nicolson’s spartan set, in which a humble trolley takes the place of Johnson’s plane, allows your imagination to roam across the wide blue yonder." The Times ★★★
"This powerful, affecting drama ranges over the pioneering aviator’s adventurous career and her final terrible moments." The Guardian ★★★★
"Edifying biopic told with passion, humour and attention to detail." The Stage ★★★★
"Not quite a black box but rather one of confining grey brick walls out of which Amy must climb to find her angels up in the sky. Amy’s aeroplane...evoked by a cleverly simple wheeled trolley." The Spy in the Stalls ★★★★
Director: Lucy Betts
Lighting Designer: Harry Amytage
Sound Design: Justin Teasdale
Photos: Pamela Raith
Venue: Watermill Theatre, Jermyn Street Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre
See photos of A Christmas Carol here