Producers of the long-running show decided that its continued success meant that it would be worth purchasing a new lighting rig to replace the hired rig that has been performing Kevin Sleep's design since the show opened back in 1988 at the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith. The show subsequently made a 'mini-tour' of the West End, to the Strand Theatre and then the Playhouse, before settling in its current home, the Fortune. The show has been there since 1989, which made it White Light's longest ever hire contract.
White Light's Sales team supplied a complete new lighting rig to the show, with ETC Source Four profiles and Selecon fresnels replacing Patt 23s, Patt 264s, Patt 743s, Sil 30s and others. In addition, twelve Rainbow Pro colour scrollers, two Viper smoke machines and one Unique haze machine were added to the rig. The rig change took place over three consecutive weekends, with a White Light crew led by Martin Chisnall and including Antony Vine, Tom McGuire, Jamie Wells, and the Fortune Theatre's crew of chief electrician Ted Tomiak and deputy Stephen Denham working over night after the Saturday show to de-rig the old equipment, rig the new, focus the lights and then re-light during Monday ready for the Monday night show. Complicating the process was that the hemp-flown lighting bars were stripped out and replaced by new winch bars as part of the refurbishment process.
"I, apparently, worked on the original production at the Lyric Hammersmith as assistant electrician, my first full time job in theatre," notes Martin Chisnall, "although I struggle to remember anything about it! However, it is strange to think that the show has run in parallel to my career in theatre and that nearly twenty years later, our paths have crossed again!" The Fortune's Ted Tomiak has enjoyed an equally long association with the show, having been chief at the theatre when the show arrived there.
With the show now running using its new lighting rig, a pile of classic gear is now sitting at White Light's base in Wimbledon, south-west London. Having not worked too hard for eighteen years, the equipment is now looking for new shows to light! All of the lanterns, which include Strand Patt 23s, 123s, 743s and Cantatas, will be offered to White Light's school customers fully tested and cleaned free of charge - those wanting them need just pay for the lamp, safety bond and hook clamp.
Those interested in adding some classic equipment direct from a starring role in the West End should contact White Light's Simon Barrett on 020 8254 4800.
(Chris Henry)
