Lighting and production design was by Mark Cunniffe, who used Martin MAC III Profile, MAC 700 Profile and MAC 700 Wash luminaires to light the memorable series of shows. Known for his detailed attention to artistic requirements, Cunniffe's wealth of experience includes working with artists such as Elton John, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart and Stevie Wonder.
"Steven Howard and Jodi Mitzman from the TCB Group requested a show that contained projected imagery together with lighting to provide an operatic and theatrical mood not normally associated with this type of performance," Cunniffe explains. "Production levels were very high with high definition Christie projectors and Martin MAC III Profile automated luminaires used extensively throughout the performance to create varied moods and chiaroscuro effects, whilst working within a relatively limited color palette."
Cunniffe, who had six of the 1500 W MAC III Profiles mounted above a large projection screen to provide back light, praised the fixtures' animation wheel, zoom range and beam intensity.
"The MAC III is a very bright moving light with all of the benefits of the Martin range of luminaires," he stated. "The colour crossfading is excellent and the optics together with a large light aperture were a very useful feature." All AV and lighting equipment for the four week tour was supplied by Amber Lites of Scotland.
"The tour ended on a well deserved high note and it was a real pleasure to be involved," Cunniffe says. He gives particular thanks to Billy Adie and Guy Coleta of Amber Lites, commenting: "Without their attention to detail and tenacious approach, creating such a beautiful theatrical piece would have been impossible."
(Jim Evans)
