Behind the Scenes: "The Real Estate" at Derby Theatre

Shooting a dress run is one of my favourite kinds of job. No audience, just the cast running the show in full, which means I can move, find my angles and chase the moments without ever getting in the way. That's exactly how I captured "The Real Estate" at Derby Theatre, performed by the University of Derby's second-year Theatre Arts students.

Written by Freddie Machin, it's a sharp, timely piece, a London tower block bought up by developers, and the residents who refuse to give up their homes without a fight. There's compassion and humour running through it, but real bite too, and that gave me plenty to work with: big ensemble moments, quieter beats of tension, and the kind of expressive performances that make for strong, story-driven images. Shooting it empty, with the lighting and staging finished but the seats still bare, let me focus purely on the drama unfolding on stage.

It was a genuine pleasure to document this one, and a real credit to the cast and crew. A few of my favourite frames from the run are below.

Putting on a production and need it captured? From dress runs to promotional and production photography, I'd love to help. You can see more of my work and get in touch over at cameron@chxmedia.co.uk