"The main backbone of the rig," says Peter Marshall, project director at PRG Europe, "are VL5Bs and the new VL3000Q spots, chosen specifically because the lights had to be silent." In addition to this was an array of over 100 conventional fixtures including ETC Source Fours and Par 64s, all programmed from a Strand 520i desk by Stuart Cross.
"We used the VL5s with the colour changing system to achieve a range of light conditions, from bright sunshine, through sunset and moonlight," explains lighting director Mark Henderson. "We even used the strobe facility on a couple of VL3000s to recreate lightning. The main scenic piece is the hotel in the centre of the stage. Its big roof makes access difficult and could have created shadows; by using moving lights we were able to get around any potential problems."
The B colour changing unit on the VL5s is a softer, more pastel palette, which helped Mark to create moody, atmospheric lighting, but bright enough for the actors to be seen. "We put the job out to tender and were impressed that PRG Europe could supply everything we wanted," says Mark. "They provided all the support we needed throughout the whole process."
PRG Europe is also providing the lighting for the production of My Fair Lady, produced by Cameron Mackintosh and NETworks Presentations, which after a year in the UK will go on tour across the US. Lit by David Hersey and assisted by Rob Halliday and Oliver Fenwick, Peter worked closely with production electrician Ian Moulds to prepare the equipment for the show's three-year tour. "Because we have 19 offices worldwide, we are in the unique position of being able to provide the same equipment and service back-up throughout the world," says Marshall.
PRG Europe was able to supply 110v dimming systems, so avoiding a total rewire of the set electrics for North America. The company is in daily contact with the show's touring chief electrician Andy Greenwood to ensure that all the spares they need are delivered, a service which will continue to be provided when the show leaves the UK. "The tour features the latest VL2500 spots and VL3500 Q spots," continues Marshall, "which Rob told me are so good that he could have used just these to light the entire show."
PRG Europe also has a large amount of equipment at regional theatres, including rigs at Derby Playhouse, Nottingham Theatre Royal, Bristol Old Vic, Bath Theatre Royal and West Yorkshire Playhouse. Other recent projects in the West End include And Then There Were None at the Gielgud, Epitaph for George Dillon at the Comedy, both for lighting designer Hugh Vanstone; and You Never Can Tell, lit by Peter Mumford at the Garrick.
(Chris Henry)
