The rig includes over 170 moving light sources plus hundreds of generics and scenic LED sources. The grandMA2 light console - with another grandMA2 light running in full tracking backup - was specified and programmed for the tour by David Bishop, and is being operated on the road by Mike Rothwell.
Kenyon also designs lighting for the popular BBC television series, and Bishop has been involved in programming all the tours to date as have lighting and sound contractors, Sonalyst based in Wales.
The grandMA consoles have been involved from the early days of the Strictly live touring phenomenon, initially with a Series 1 system replacing the original control set up. This was chosen by Bishop because of its renowned reliability and seamless, rock solid networking capabilities, which he describes as "Awesome".
The 2011 touring show was programmed in a tight timescale before the first show in Nottingham Arena. It's an effects heavy show, so he's found the grandMA2's versatile Effects Generator extremely useful and time saving. He points out that it's currently the only console where a mathematical curve can be applied between two preset libraries, or palettes, which makes creating complex colour effects in particular super fast.
The tour is being produced by Phil McIntyre Entertainments and production managed by Andy Gibbs. Each show features eight couples - celebrities paired with professional dancers - four judges and a real competition which is voted on 'live' by members of the audience.
(Jim Evans)
