A former Aberystwyth pupil is testament to the saying that ‘the show must go on’ and has been recognised for his part in building an emergency auditorium following a roof collapse at a theatre in London.

Rhodri Sion Evans is part of the Young Vic Theatre production team nominated in the Stage Awards 2020 for their efforts when part of the Piccadilly Theatre’s ceiling fell down last November.

The incident occurred during a performance of Death of a Salesman, a show which had originated at the Young Vic.

Rather than cancel future performances, Rhodri and the production crew leapt into action, building a 460-seat auditorium in less than 24 hours.

Using a space at the Young Vic, they put down and carpeted a new floor, built a stage, hung the lighting rig and brought in props from the stricken West End theatre.

Within a day the site was ready to host Death of a Salesman, which played to standing ovations.

Now the Young Vic team has been shortlisted for the Achievement in Technical Theatre category of this year’s prestigious Stage Awards.

Commenting on the experience, Rhodri, 27, who attended Ysgol Penweddig, said: “It was a little bit stressful. It was one of those weird ones when we knew what we had to achieve, so it was straightforward in that sense.

“But it was just a case of getting it ready early enough so the whole cast and crew could get in and do a technical rehearsal.”

The winner of the award will be announced this Friday, 31 January.

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