The Forum has was added to AP's ever growing list of venues last September after an emergency call from the club's management, who needed to replace the incumbent security company.
"The Forum has undergone a recent facelift," explains Chris Hollands, one of AP's management team, who oversees a number of venues and events for the company. "We had been awarded the contract and were due to start once the re-fit was completed, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we were asked to step in much earlier than expected and at very short notice."
"In fact, we got a call one Saturday afternoon and we were in by the following Tuesday," says Sid Bradshaw, in joint charge of the venue for AP alongside Wayne Grove. "We did the risk assessment, changed a few barrier systems and pretty much within 24 hours we were ready to go."
Given AP's ability to react quickly to a challenge, the short notice given for Doherty's performance on 13th June presented no problems for the team. "On a general basis, we have between 22 and 34 staff available for The Forum," says Wayne. "For this particular gig, we used the full compliment, which included extra response teams and an extended pit team - from previous experience with this particular act, we expected the pit to be quite busy. We also positioned extra response teams top and bottom of the venue, because on gigs like this there tend to be more issues with things like smoking, throwing of drinks, etc."
The Forum's refit, which includes upgrading audio and lighting equipment as well as its staff, is designed to raise the profile of the venue so that it becomes an alternative to places such as Shepherd's Bush Empire. And the combination is certainly pleasing bands, promoters and production managers alike.
(Claire Beeson)
