The UK tour, produced by Firey Angel, opened at Hackney Empire in East London, where the lighting was programmed on a grandMA full-size console by Chris Hirst. It was then transferred to a grandMA light for the tour, which is running with a grandMA ultra-light for backup via two MA NSPs (Network Signal Processors). A wireless access point allows MA's remote emulator software to run on both Hirst and the tour's console operator Simon Garwood's laptops.
The choice of grandMA was Hirst's. He has used grandMA on many previous occasions including for three German musicals and has completed the training course at MA's HQ in Paderborn, Germany. "I wanted a reliable, well supported operating platform, and received a fantastic response from Richard Lambert and the team at MA UK," he states.
The lighting that recreate's SpongeBob's eventful undersea environment is colourful, bold and in-the-face - with a hallucinogenic quality that matches the hectic pace of the show. The lighting rig itself is expediently sized but precisely positioned and thoughtfully used to maximum effect.
There are six Clay Paky Alpha Wash Halos and 12 Martin moving lights, all overhead, with approximately 60 conventional fixtures - a mix of PARs and ETC Source Fours - plus 30 Rainbow Colour Changers 8" PRO scrollers, divided between the overhead bars and side stage booms. There is also a selection of special effects including UV cannons, bubble machines and smoke, all run through the grandMA light and supplied by London-based White Light.
"It's great from a design aspect to have the freedom to be really unapologetic with your application of colour and effects to a work," concludes Jones. SpongeBob SquarePants The Musical is currently scheduled to run until June 2009 with a second leg of the tour planned for late 2009 early 2010.
(Jim Evans)
