Stage Electrics' production manager John Radford used the company's Arc Roof system to provide all the key elements required for an event of this type - wide viewing angles and good platform height. Since the events ran during the daytime, the lighting element was minimal, with just eight Sunfloods used to lift the general light and brighten the stage with open white. For the PA system, Radford worked with Stage Electrics' sound designer Glen Beckley to specify a multi-event system with the required wide degree of dispersion. Based around EAW KF850 cabinets, with SB1000 subs, the system was driven by Lab.Gruppen amplifiers and XTA DP series processing, and engineered from a Soundcraft K3 24-channel desk. For local power generation the company utilized an Aggreko GHP II generation system.
Stage Electrics' involvement extended beyond the supply of expertise and equipment - the company sponsored the opening event of the week in aid of the TheatreCares charity with casts from various West End Musicals performing hits from the shows on the stage. A last-minute change occurred on the Friday, when instead of a 'break day' the BBC took the decision to use the stage to for the second live public performance by students from the Fame Academy programme. To accommodate this, Stage Electrics supplemented their original sound specification to take into account the radio microphone requirements of the students and the anticipated crowds.
(Ruth Rossington)
