Their seminal role in the show was to light the acoustic ‘mushrooms’ in the Albert Hall’s roof, in a series of beguiling, rich saturated colours. The mushrooms - normally a dull off-white - are a vital ingredient of the Hall’s sound, but a constant source of aesthetic distraction to anyone working on visuals. By transforming them into a feature, the mushrooms become an integral part of the live experience of being ‘on location’ in one of the world’s most architecturally spectacular venues.
16 Mini City fixtures, complete with their optional wide-angle lenses (the latter purchased by Blinding Light from Coe-tech for the occasion), were rigged in the gallery arches around the RAH’s top tier, with the lighting control position also located up there for the show. The units are powerful enough to light the 60-odd mushrooms evenly, and are quick and easy to rig.
Bernie Davies is a regular LD for Songs of Praise, which is usually recorded in various churches around the country. A large generic and moving light rig for the RAH show was supplied by main lighting contractors ELP. Bernie controlled the conventionals from his Compulite Spark console, working closely with moving light operator Mark Ninnim, who also had the Mini Citys running off a Wholehog II.
(Ruth Rossington)
