Northern Stage Services was charged with exchanging the theatres' complex building management system for something much simpler. Project manager David Culshaw comments, "The previous system was aging and becoming unserviceable and it was only a matter of time before the theatres experienced a major outage. We recommended Sensor and Paradigm because they are without doubt the best products on the market in terms of functionality and reliability. We've also seen first hand the excellent long term support and backup that ETC offers.
"We only had five weeks where the venues were dark in which to install the equipment, as a new show needed to open. ETC was very efficient in supplying everything we needed on time and assisting with setup."
Technical electrics manager at Bradford Theatres Chris Barlow adds, "I've used ETC equipment for many years and toured with it in my previous role at Opera North, so I know how it works and how good it is. When we started to look for replacement dimming and house lighting, we evaluated a number of products on the market, but ETC was always at the back of my mind. I've seen it in use at other venues and it is becoming industry standard for a good reason - it is dependable and good at what it does."
Over 200 ways of Sensor dimming were installed around the three venues. The two larger venues also had ETC Unison Paradigm installed to control the house lighting, comprising touch screen LCD stations and combined push button/fader panels. The use of Paradigm means that non-trained personnel, such as front of house staff, performers and cleaners, can adjust the lighting as required to perform their function without needing to call a lighting operator.
St George's Concert Hall seats up to 1,600 and hosts a wide variety of events including rock, pop and classical concerts and stand-up comedians; while the 1,400 seat Alhambra, a few minutes' walk away, hosts large scale entertainment from dance to musicals, drama and one of the UK's biggest annual pantomimes. The Studio, next door, which can accommodate up to 200 people, did not need the full Paradigm LCD touch screen system so just had the Sensor Dimmers installed.
(Jim Evans)
