The dress rehearsal days are always a major part of the production process, and for this year’s Treasure Island pantomime, I covered two back-to-back rehearsals. During the first, I focused on capturing still photography; during the second, I filmed the show.The photos are the main deliverable for the panto each year, and a key priority is getting these ready in time for the press — often within just a day or two of opening night — so that reviewers can publish their coverage with high-quality images. With full access and no audience in the way, I’m able to move freely around the theatre (and occasionally onto the stage itself!) to get unique, dynamic shots that wouldn’t be possible during a live performance.For the video, I took a two-camera approach: an unmanned wide shot capturing the full stage, and a handheld camera allowing me to roam for close-ups and more creative angles. Some of these clips are used in the cinema trailer, while others are repurposed throughout the year for theatre showcase reels, early promo material for future pantos, or social media snippets.

Once the pantomime run is complete, I compile the footage into a full video record of the production for the theatre’s archives — providing a lasting visual memory of the show.

The following is the “Press Pack” of photos” selected from thousands of photos we captured at the dress rehearsal….