To cope with this year's record demand, Orbital has also augmented its hire equipment with another 220 channels of Shure radio microphones, as well as deploying the new TheatrePro E-60MP low profile earset and L-45 lavalier microphones. The compact d&b audiotechnik T-Series loudspeakers are playing a starring role, providing configuration flexibility matched by high quality audio performance.
Managing director Chris Headlam elaborates, "This has been an outstanding season, with the top pantomimes bucking the economic trend and performing strongly in box office terms. It is one of our busiest times of year, with clients depending on Orbital to provide the total sound solution, from sound design through to every last piece of the systems package.
"Dependability is very much the key to our approach, and this is why the Yamaha CL5 console sits at the heart of our rental sound systems for the panto season. It is easy to use, and does exactly what it says on the tin - day after day. It really is a powerful workhorse, and is proving the validity of our investment. Our clients demand the best - we are working with some extremely big name stars, and the emphasis is on providing a top quality professional sound that delivers every night."
Orbital's clients include Qdos Entertainment and First Family Entertainment, two of the world's leading pantomime producers, with the schedule taking in venues such as the West Country's premier theatre, the 2,500 seat Bristol Hippodrome, as well as the Liverpool Empire, the Nottingham Theatre Royal, and the Birmingham Hippodrome. Qdos Entertainment estimates that its line-up of shows alone will attract audiences exceeding 1.5m during the 2012/2013 season - highlighting the economic importance of the festive box office revenues.
(Jim Evans)
