One of the main stipulations from the client was the need to effectively seat and protect from the elements a 60-piece orchestra without obscuring the onstage artists and disrupting audience sightlines. Mike Goodwin (Star Orbit) and the Star Design team collaborated with Planit to devise an under-stage Orchestra pit that provided the shelter the orchestra members required whilst maintaining the sound quality. This was achieved by extending the front of the stage floor out and over the heads of the musicians. Onstage the stunning centrepiece for the opera Anna Boleyna was offset against the aluminium purlins of the interior of the stage, the flexidome technology complimenting the contemporary design of the huge 'revolving sundial' stage set.
The entire structure was built within three days despite the demands of the extremely sensitive venue location. Being a Grade 1 listed site, the crew working on the stage build, had to be highly empathetic to the unique characteristics of the location. Harry Young of Planit Events said: "We have been extremely happy with the services that Star Events Group has provided and we look forward to working together on similar projects in the future."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
