The tour included a behind-the-scenes look at the lighting, sound and set elements of this highly complex production, but by far the most fascinating element was the rigging, by Summit Steel, which has allowed Dralion to move seamlessly from its familiar big top environment to the RAH. To get an idea of the complexity of the rigging set-up and view the forest of flying points required, L&SI's visitors were taken right up into the roof of the venue, and were given the opportunity to gaze down at the set through the Hall's flimsy-looking iron grille - 135ft above the auditorium floor.
Paul Duval, lecturer in technical production at Brooksby Melton College, who came on the tour with a group of his students studying technical production disciplines, said he was very impressed with the tour, particularly with the opportunity it gave his students to see first-hand the immense importance of rigging - and of the associated health and safety issues - to productions of this type.
Our thanks to all involved - particularly to Adrian Bray, Jason Call and Ges Edwards-Webb at the RAH, to Chris Walker of Summit Steel, Bob Stagg of Alan Conisbee Associates and to everyone at Cirque du Soleil.
(Lee Baldock)
