Behind the scenes Observations go on display at Portland Gallery

Published: 1st April, 2011
by PETER GRUNER

AN Angel artist worked on a unique series of paintings during rehearsals for Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s hit new production of The Wizard of Oz.

Now Nick Botting’s pictures, capturing rare and intimate behind-the-scenes moments, will be on display at a new exhibition called Observations, which opens at the Portland Gallery next week.

Paintings show Lord Lloyd Webber and Jeremy Sams, the director, holding animated script meetings while cast members are seen resting on studio chairs. Arlene Phillips, the choreographer, known for her judging abilities on BBC television, is shown developing the performance with the dancers. There is also a painting of Michael Crawford, the star of the West End stage, as he sits cross-legged on the floor learning his lines.

Britain’s new musical talent, Danielle Hope, winner of the BBC’s show, Over The Rainbow, is observed in preparation for her role as Dorothy.

Nick said it was a wonderful opportunity to study the cast and watch the production develop from its early beginnings in a hall to a full-scale musical.

He described Arlene Phillips, who has a reputation for being tough with dancers, as being “very relaxed and laid back and gently getting the best out of her cast. Michael Crawford, who plays the wizard, tended to sit cross-legged reading his lines during rehearsals.

“The difficulty of painting something like this is that the cast were always moving. I hope I have captured something of the intense effort and professionalism of the rehearsals.”

Lord Lloyd Webber agreed to allow Nick into the rehearsals after being impressed by his previous work. 

Nick won the prestigious Founders Prize in 2009 for a painting called Full House at the London Palladium.

He’s also the winner of a National Portrait Award and the Royal Institute of Oil Painters Roberson Award.

In 2001 he was commissioned by the MCC at Lord’s cricket ground to paint the English cricket team in Pakistan.

• Observations is on from April 14 to May 6 at the Portland Gallery, 8 Bennet Street, off Arlington Street, SW1A.  Tel: 020 7493 1888 or visit www.portlandgallery.com