Venue: Hull Truck Theatre Company, Hull
Director: Kate Bramley
Dates: August - September 2001

The Blue Room is made up of ten scenes and ten characters who meet and leave each other in quick succession through the play. I wanted the set to reflect the plays's circular, revelatory structure. The multi-faceted set literally opened from within boxes and levels. This allowed the many scenes of the play to take place on one modular set, and retained an element of surprise for the audience. From a sparse, layered landscape to the final clutter, which is made by the elements of the rooms, furniture and props, every surface transformed into something unimagined.

'For Hull Truck's attempt at David Hare's La Ronde update the set is a blue room. How original. No, really, it is. Designer Jessica Stack surprises everyone with what seems at first to be nothing more than a bunch of boxes. As we progress through the well executed two-hander, Stack's boxes unfold into everything from a fully plumbed kitchen to a piano. Every available surface, at one time or another, evolves into a bed. What began as a blank, minimalist canvas becomes a cluttered landscape - a very messy closet, if you like. As good as it is, the set is does not overshadow the fine multi-role performances of Lisa Reeves and Christopher James, playing five characters apiece.
Dave Windass, The Stage

On a set reminiscent of a Cubist painting with boxed areas that ingeniously open to reveal various props. Designer Jessica Stack's clever, angular set provides various levels for use as beds.
Lynda Murdin, Yorkshire Post

The set, designed by Jessica Stack, served more purposes than a Swiss army knife and was part of the play's charm.
Keely Lead, Hull Daily Mail