Stage set to see fall by defender (8)
I believe the answer is:
backdrop
'stage set' is the definition.
(backdrop is a kind of stage set)
'fall by defender' is the wordplay.
'fall' becomes 'drop' (dropping is a kind of falling**).
'by' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'defender' becomes 'back' (I've seen this in other clues).
'drop' after 'back' is 'BACKDROP'.
'to see' is the link.
(Other definitions for backdrop that I've seen before include "Painted curtain at rear of stage" , "Painted rear stage cloth" , "Against which action is played out" , "Theatrical scenery" , "Scenery hung at the rear of a stage" .)