Backstage Secrets: The Pin's the Thing

Let's sneak behind the scenes and see what theatre magic and mysteries we can delve into with Company Manager, Fleur Beeley...

We're going to reveal a little secret that's had more than one member of the SJT team scratching their heads – but actually, it’s really simple, as the best things often are.

If you saw The 39 Steps, you'll know our hero Richard Hannay pulls a window blind down and walks away – it springs straight back up again. He does it again and same thing happens. The third time, he gets halfway across the stage before it flies open - again.

The first two times are easy to explain – it’s simply Dave letting go of the cord at the right moment. But what about that third time?

Well, that time, he hooks the loop at the end of the cord around a small peg at the bottom of the window. Attached to the peg is a length of fishing line – a fine, transparent filament that’s almost invisible to the naked eye, especially under theatre lighting – and attached to the fishing line, offstage, is a member of the stage management team.

At just the right moment, they yank the line, the peg comes out and the blind rattles open.

It’s as easy as that!