Steve Colley, head of stage engineering automation and rigging at the National Theatre said, "Stage Technologies played a very special role in the delivery of this extraordinary production. The level of co-operation required between the technical and project teams at Stage Technologies and the National Theatre team to deliver the event was very demanding. Stage Technologies' expertise, constant support and understanding were appreciated by all concerned."
The show was broadcast live, both on BBC2 in the UK and to cinema screens around the world. It featured a wide range of actors from both the present National Theatre roster as well as some from the original 1960s company, in short scenes selected from the 50 seasons. Most of the scenes required little more than a bare stage, but were punctuated by archival or recent video footage of performances, actors and artistic teams.
These projection screens were flown in speedily and quietly, and were used to obscure set and lighting changes happening behind them. This control system moved the scenic pieces and projection screens with the precision demanded by such a tightly choreographed show for this high-profile, one-off live broadcast.
(Jim Evans)
