Backstage at Istana Budaya to get a glimpse of the activities that go on to prepare for each performance of “The Secret Life Of Nora”, I had newfound respect for the cast and crew as a lot of hard work goes into making each actor look their best for their stage appearance.

There are the stylists for hair, costume and make-up, the musicians, the stage and production management, set and props team who ensure that the set is in tip-top condition everyday, special effects team. Everything has to be co-ordinated to a tight schedule.

It’s only by going into their world that I came to appreciate the amount of time and effort that goes into each performance. One can only imagine the hundreds of hours and intricacies involved in preparing for this musical.

Here’s a little peek into what goes on behind “The Secret Life Of Nora”. Behind Tiara Jacquelina’s dressing room door, we have Shahrum, M.A.C’s Special Events Artist doing her make-up (there are 3 make-up looks throughout the show).

For Tiara’s look above, Shahrum explained that a lot of veluxe pearl texture eyeshadows are used. They have to be very careful when choosing the texture of eyeshadows as the lighting is very strong. White colour is used on her lids which makes her skin stand out. Tiara’s favourite look is the spy Nora look as she loves being a leather jumpsuit clad heroine.

Moving on from Tiara’s dressing room, I pass a few principal actors’ dressing rooms…..

……and come to……

……where the hairstylists and make-up artists are waiting to style the cast.

The M.A.C. makeup team are all senior artists who are on rotation on a weekly basis. They have finalised the looks for each actor beforehand but may still vary the looks with the guidance of Senior Makeup Artist, Haritha Shan.

On stage are my favourite stage props….the love seats!

Love-ly! Just the kind of chairs I want in my living room, if only!