Bandit Lites UK is supplying full lighting production and crew for Pink's tour, a rig that includes Martin MAC 2000 Washes, MAC 2000 Profiles, Atomic strobes and Jem ZR fog machines.
The production and lighting design was created by Mark Fisher and Barry 'Baz' Halpin. With considerable input from Pink, they've woven lighting, video and scenic elements into a stimulating and provocative visual collage.
"This is not a standard pop show," says Halpin. "It's full of tricks and gimmicks and is highly choreographed. Pink is very versatile and is heavily involved in design and production of the show."
Some 110 MAC 2000 Profiles and Washes are scattered across the rig - on overhead trusses, upper and lower 'dog leg' side trusses; vertical upstage trusses; at strategic points on the bold sweeping staircase set and all over the floor. These are joined by Martin Atomic strobes and a selection of generics that includes 4-way ACL bars, red police beacons, MR16 battens for audience lighting and as uplighters along the thrust stage, four-lite Moles and DF50 smokers. Lighting control is from a WholeHog II operated by Trent O' Connor. A second Hog II runs a Catalyst digital media server and video playback content controlled by Craig Allnutt who is also calling the six spots - an M2 Lycian on the back truss and five 2K Lycians at FOH. "I've worked with Bandit on numerous projects, and you're always guaranteed the very best equipment, crew and service," Halpin comments.
Lighting has been programmed to keep up the blistering pace of the set and changes with the mood and feel of its four individual segments. It opens with a painted camouflage net kabuki with a grey traveler drape upstage, Pink and her band in a classic rock band set up and accompanied by bold and bright lighting looks. That drops away to reveal a three dimensional grey quilted pillow drape which gives the set texture and depth.
Part two is heavily choreographed with dance routines including gymnastics in a net (Pink used to be a gymnast) accompanied by gobo looks and lots of chases. Part three is acoustic and performed on the B stage at the front of the thrust with stark, pulled back lighting.
The show closes in dramatic style with the pillow drape dropping away to reveal six 24ft vertical sections of trussing loaded with MAC 2Ks, which totally change the feel, dimensions and depth of the stage. Part four involves a lot of flying with Pink dropped in from the ceiling on a ring for the first encore. The show culminates in a series of breathtaking aerobatic stunts performed on silks hoisted high above the stage, the final showstopper a silk aerial performance to Get the Party Started.
(Chris Henry)
