THE stage crew who provide the sound, lights and effects for Humpty Dumpty are just as essential to the panto's success as the actors.

Most of the crew work on every show at the Conquest, meaning they give up a lot of their time for the theatre.

Resident stage manager Graham Shortland has been with the Conquest for 17 years. He co-ordinates the five or six stage crew and is in overall charge of lighting, sound and special effects.

"I have no intention of treading the boards, I love working out the back," he said.

"I like it because without us the cast could not put a good play on. They need scenery, special effects and lighting."

During the show he will stand at the side of the stage and give instructions to the crew to make sure everything goes smoothly.

His wife Jenny is wardrobe mistress for the theatre and looks after all the costumes.

Lighting designer for the production is Mike Astles.

"I make sure they all look pretty and the audience can see them," he said.

Rob Taylor is the member of the back stage crew responsible for special effects. He will operate and smoke and snow machines and use pyrotechnics to create flashes and bangs.

Like Graham, he said he could never tread the boards but enjoyed working behind the scenes.