As The Crucible was awarded Grade II listed status by English Heritage as a building of architectural and historic importance in 2008, Hawthorn's in-house installation team had to ensure that the fittings used were not only in keeping with the period of the theatre, but also state of the art and energy efficient at the same time.
Phase 1 of the project was completed prior to the 2009 World Snooker Championship with Phase 2 commencing immediately after the championship and completion by December 2009.
Undertaking the installation of new dimmers and technical infrastructure to the Studio Theatre and the expansion of the paging system, Hawthorn's installation team, working closely with Theatreplan Consultants, undertook a 12-week installation programme completing the work ahead of schedule and within budget.
Replacing the old Strand dimmers, Hawthorn provided 170 ways of ETC Sensor dimming along with a new DMX and Network infrastructure. An ETC Unison Paradigm control and dimmer system was provided to control the house and working lights, with control being provided from the lighting desk, colour Paradigm touch screens and localised control stations.
A new audio infrastructure was installed providing extensive microphone tie lines, along with speaker and data patching and a Sennheiser infra red system with show relay facilities and both colour and low light CCTV. A prompt desk was provided for the studio, designed in collaboration with GDS, which could be moved to, and used in, the main house as well when required.
A major part of the work was the expansion of the paging system installed as part of Phase 1. Re-designed and overseen by Hawthorn's head of sound, Iain Reinhold, the installation consisted of nearly one hundred 100 volt line speakers, eight zones of paging, expansion and reprogramming of the paging processor and an extensive cable infrastructure.
Hawthorn's head of installs, Alan Jackson commented: "The Crucible is a great venue and we were delighted to be involved in its renovation and the opportunity to work with the consultants Theatreplan". Clive Odom of Theatreplan added: "It has been a pleasure working with Hawthorns and we look forward to the next job."
(Jim Evans)
