In 2009, the theatre's owners, Ambassador Theatre Group, commissioned Theatreplan consultants to prepare a detailed report on the existing flying system, and to suggest a new support arrangement to accommodate modern scenery loads. The task was complicated because of the presence of six large early wooden drum and shaft mechanisms, which had been listed; English Heritage and Westminster City Council wanted them to be retained.
Theatreplan produced a comprehensive 'heritage' report, a service in which Theatreplan's partner Roger Fox specialises. He said: "We studied and recorded the history of the theatre and its installations in great detail, referring to contemporary accounts where needed. Our survey of the grid involved reviewing architectural drawings, correcting measurement inaccuracies and preparing 3D CAD drawings." This exercise resulted in Listed Building Consent to move four sets of drums and shafts to an off-stage location and to dispose of the remaining two sets.
The grid was not only restricted by its design and loading limitations. A cross-over bridge positioned between the fly floors downstage prevented any flying within this important section of the grid immediately upstage of the proscenium. Consent was given to remove the bridge and replace it with a new bridge at the rear of the stage. A new main steel joist was installed to alleviate the grid load on the proscenium wall, which had suffered some damage over the years. During the same six-week window in late 2011, the owners took the opportunity to commission Foster Wilson Architects to renovate the auditorium with new lighting positions and restore damaged plasterwork.
The old Comedy Theatre was memorable for its off-centre stage area, with its characteristic shallow wing space stage left, and wide stage right area. As the fly floor was located stage right, the added depth made it difficult for flymen to see the stage floor during scene changes. Working in conjunction with the theatre's structural engineers, Theatreplan specified an unusual back-loaded counterweight system, which is mounted on the onstage edge of the original fly gallery. Accessible from both sides - off-stage to load and on-stage to operate - the new position also takes full advantage of the height of the stage right mansard roof.
Twenty double purchase counterweight sets have been installed in the Harold Pinter Theatre, each with a payload of 350kg, plus two 350kg capacity fixed-speed electric hoists. Provision was made to install chain hoists from new grid steel beams. The grid was also re-slatted with new timber and remains in use for light loads suspended on hemp sets.
(Lee Baldock)
