breakaway glass sfx

[Tealfox]

We are performing Simon Brett's Murder in Play and have to indicate a decanter being shot to smithereens on stage. We can manage the sound effect but don't have any experience of how to show it visually. Mr Brett states that a sugar glass decanter pulled on invisible wire was used in the first performances. We note that breakaway glass props can be purchased {quite pricey} and we are an amateur group. Does anyone have any experience that would assist?

[Shez]

A plastic decanter pulled/pushed by hidden means off the back of the table so it falls somewhere hidden? Accompanied by the sound effect of course. Timing is everything.

An actual visual breakage will be expensive.

[alistermorton]

Do you need to see the decanter smash, or do the remenats of the decanter make an appearance somehow. If you don't need to actually see it smash, then, as Shez suggess, sleight of hand is the order of the day. Sugar glass gets expensive quite quickly.

[Jivemaster]

Well rehearsed sleight of hand and sound effects is the high skill low cost method.

[andy_s]

Its possible to find recipes to make your own breakaway bottles from sugarglass, but I believe it takes practice. If you have the patience and the time and the interest... You could do a bit of googling... I don't know if it would be cheaper in the long run Edited October 2, 2019 by andy_s

[Jivemaster]

Member "Cedd" has posted many diagrams and ideas for "collapse on cue" mechanisms using strings, springs and pins. He also (IIRC) had ideas for guns triggering sfx cues which would mean a totally fake gun could shoot the bottle and fire the sound and special effects cues by wireless.

[Tealfox]

Thanks guys. I had looked at the recipes for sugar glass but as we need so many it would be a lot of work, and/or a lot of moulds. We will go with the sleight of hand and sound effect. Much appreciated.