The ensemble bursts around a high stack of mattresses, tossing fabric and pillows under a brilliant blue starburst.

Bellairs Theatre2023

Once Upon a Mattress

The Production

Guildford School of Acting’s BA Musical Theatre final-year production of Once Upon a Mattress was staged at the Bellairs Theatre in November 2023 as part of GSA’s autumn season. Steve Gregson’s archive documents the student company’s full musical-comedy staging in GSA’s on-campus theatre.

49 photographs in the curated edit

Director: Tania Azevedo
Choreographer: Darren Carnell
Lighting Design: Brett Kasza
Set & Costume Design: Anna Toumanova
Sound Design: Russell Ditchfield
Commissioned by: Guildford School of Acting
Photography: Steve Gregson

Four performers in party hats sit close together around an open book, surrounded by balloons and warm colourful light.

A performer in bright pink leaps horizontally over another performer crouched beside a table in vivid party lighting.

A crowned performer in a long peach robe sings front stage with arms outstretched as the ensemble gathers behind.

A full ensemble forms dynamic diagonals across the stage under blue and purple theatrical light.

Two performers in pink and white party costumes sit cheek to cheek beside pastel balloons in green light.

Performers form a vertical human stack under a white spotlight, with the birthday-decorated balcony behind them.

The cast lunges and dances across the stage in a dramatic red wash with haze and deep shadows.

A pink-skirted performer and a white-costumed performer clutch each other in an exaggerated comic embrace.

A small group huddles at the side of the stage in dark green light and a low horizontal beam.

The ensemble raises their arms toward a central figure under saturated green stage light.

Two performers in cone hats sit together on the floor, leaning into each other in blue light.

A red-robed performer lifts one leg high while two costumed performers watch in blue stage light.

Two performers embrace and smile in green lighting while other cast members watch from behind.

A wide blue-lit stage shows the ensemble spread around a central action beneath a disco ball.

A performer with feathered sleeves holds up a white fan, looking startled as others stand behind.

A kneeling performer sings in a circular white spotlight while two others stand nearby.

A red-wigged striped performer lies across a lime-green mattress under birthday bunting.

Several performers lift a green-clad performer forward, creating a comic suspended moment.

Two performers lean close under a side beam, one holding a small prop bottle.

Performers dance through purple and blue haze around a red-robed figure on the wide stage.

Two performers embrace tightly in a deep blue wash, isolated by a horizontal beam.

A performer kneels alone in a white circular spotlight as others lie scattered around the stage.

Two performers in pastel costumes face each other warmly while seated figures look on.

The cast crowds into a joyful huddle under a bright starburst of warm stage lights.

A fairy-like performer crouches at a table, holding a small object with an intent expression.

Performers tumble and bow across the stage beneath moon and star decorations in smoky light.

A performer stands center stage with pages or papers flying overhead and scattered underfoot.

A red-robed crowned performer grabs a pink-costumed performer beside a large portrait board.

A wide blue-lit stage places two large portrait boards around dancers with a disco ball above.

A lone performer stands in a tight white spotlight while another figure watches from darkness.

A tall stack of colourful mattresses sits center stage under a strong beam of white light.

A performer in a pink feathered costume and wire cage headpiece poses on an upper balcony.

A performer hangs upside down over a stack of mattresses while another watches from the balcony above.

A performer in a flowing pink robe opens their arms below two raised figures on the platform.

The ensemble dances in a red and blue full-stage composition beneath a disco ball.

Two performers clasp hands and speak closely on a bright stage with a red chair behind them.

A foreground performer gestures upward while others appear on the stairs and upper balcony of the birthday set.

Four performers in bright costumes stand in a hazy beam, reacting to one another in a tight group.

A black-and-green costumed performer stands center stage while the ensemble circles around in green light.

A red-wigged striped performer poses theatrically behind a red-haired performer in a puffy pink costume.

Two performers balance in a synchronized dance step with arms extended in cool blue light.

Five performers in bright gowns and tutus sing together through purple haze.

A performer lies on their stomach across a blue mattress, chin in hand, with one foot raised.

Two performers reach toward a red-costumed performer as a striped figure watches beside the mattress stack.

A smiling performer in a pink skirt stands hands on hips with balloons and brickwork behind.

A performer in a cone hat sits at a table facing a sequined-cloaked performer under a side beam of light.

Two performers in pastel costumes kiss in front of balloons and green-lit brickwork.

The full cast stands across the stage for a curtain call in warm white light and haze.

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