"Panto is one of the hardest shows to light because it encompasses so many different genres - comedy, tragedy, musical, theatre, dance and rock 'n' roll all rolled into one," says Cracknell.
This Aladdin show also includes 3D projection for key elements including the magic carpet and the genie, which really throws the action right out into the audience and into people's faces - eliciting great excitement and reaction.
HSL is supplying all the moving lights for the show, along with equipment for another 10 Qdos productions around the UK, from Aberdeen to Belfast and Llandudno to Northampton.
HSL's Mike Docksey, who has been working extensively on the Qdos shows since the beginning of October, says, "It is a great pleasure to be associated with such a prestigious organization as Qdos. Mark Sherwood, head of production and his team of LDs and technicians have been efficient and enthusiastic at all stages of the project. I am looking forward to building on what we have achieved together for many years to come."
Two Robe ColorSpot 700E ATs are rigged at the front of the circle doing set and cloth washes and other specials.14 Robe ColorSpot 575E ATs are divided up with four at FOH on the pros position and the other 10 onstage, joined by six Robe ColorWash 575E AT fixtures on the pipe ends of LX bars 1, 2 and 3, also used for a myriad of effects. HSL had special hieroglyphic 'texturing' gobos made up for Cracknell. These are used extensively for illuminations around the auditorium in addition to LED PARs placed around the pros for blinder effects.
HSL is also supplying four Martin Atomic strobes and 18 Pulsar ChromaZone PAR 36 LED units, plus six rotating 'helicopter' beam lights, three stationed each side of the pros, 24 strings of 10m festoon and egg festoon and ZR33 smoke machines. The rest of the production lighting is pulled from the Theatre Royal's extensive stock. The show was programmed and is run from their Strand 550 console by Nathan Reynard.
Sound is a Martin Audio system being supplied by Mac Sound from Manchester, mixed by Stuart Middleton. This year, Ben Cracknell has also designed Snow White in Darlington.
(Jim Evans)
