One of the UK's most popular attractions, with nearly 20,000 visitors per week, skaters travel from across the globe to take to the ice in Blackpool for what has become the world's longest running ice show. Included in the impressive line-up are stars from ITV's Dancing On Ice, as well as Olympic and professional skaters.
Hot Ice Show is created, produced and directed by Amanda Thompson OBE and presented by Stageworks Worldwide Productions at the Pleasure Beach's ice skating theatre, The Arena.
To create the production's dynamic and highly theatrical feel, a spectacular light show, explosive pyrotechnic fire effects and a dramatic music soundtrack complement the skaters' jaw-dropping moves.
Amanda Thompson, managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach and president of Stageworks Worldwide Productions, said, "Stageworks was already using the venue's in-house Jands Vista T2 desk, which had been purchased in 2011 for the then production of Hot Ice Show.
"We decided it was time to upgrade to the Vista range's latest L5 console, to take full advantage of its increased power and feature set for Michael's more ambitious 2014 show lighting design."
Michael Seaman, LX programming/technical co-ordinator for Stageworks, said, "I've been using the Vista system since 2011 and absolutely love it. For past Hot Ice Shows we've used a big generic rig of Par Cans with gobo effects, so this year we decided to raise the bar by adding some LEDs to create beam lights and various other effects. The L5's much larger screen is a massive help, as it makes being able to see the whole arena rig at the same time, including the extra LEDs, much easier. It's a very responsive desk with impressive and fast processing capabilities."
The Vista is controlling over 250 ways of dimming plus Prolights Prime beamlights, Martin Mac2000 profiles, Robe Robin 600 spots, Showtec sunstrips, and Prolights ArcLed 8107Q LED Pars.
Stefano Visintin, Sound/Light and LX programmer for Stageworks, said,"The extra playbacks on the L5 are another big bonus for busking on the go, as we get a lot of one-day dance shows which we do on the fly. Along with the intuitive Vista v2 software and the L5's large, backlit screen, plus the full size keyboard, it's a great desk to use."
The L5 console was supplied to Stageworks Worldwide Productions by Jands UK dealer, A.C. Entertainment Technologies.
Currently in final production rehearsals, Hot Ice Show begins its 100-show run on 3 July at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. After the Hot Ice Show, the console will be used for various other productions hosted at the Blackpool attraction.
The Jands Vista console range will be showcased at PLASA London 2014, in October on the stand of UK dealer, A.C. Entertainment Technologies.
(Jim Evans)
