When he accepted the post in Jersey, a technical modernisation programme was already in the offing, and naturally, he wanted something modern and cool on the control front - to replace the existing system that had been in place since 2000.
"My ethos for the entire technical upgrade - encompassing sound, lighting and stage - was to get a future-proof system in place - something with a lifespan of at least 10 years" he confirms.
The console was supplied by Stage Electrics. Francklin had been keen to wait for the grandMA2 to come online before making the final purchasing decision. He discussed the matter thoroughly with Andy Elsegood from Stage Electrics and they came to the conclusion that grandMA2 was the ideal desk, and Stage Electrics was able to offer an excellent deal.
Francklin also discussed the matter thoroughly with his team at the Opera House, and all concurred that MA was the route to take. They all received some thorough on-site training from the MA UK team once the deal was completed and the console delivered.
The theatre - which has been an integral element of cultural life on the island since it opened in 1865 - currently has a large generic lighting rig consisting of PARs and ETC, Strand and Selecon luminaires, along with Martin moving lights and 20 Chroma-Q scrollers. There is also a selection of smoke and haze machines, all run via the grandMA2 light.
(Jim Evans)
