John Wilkinson OBE, chairman of Salford Rugby League Club, owns the 700-capacity venue and although sited adjacently, the two are run as completely different enterprises. The Willows has recently invested substantially in the latest production technology.
As the name implies, 'variety' was the operative word when it came to looking for new lighting. They needed a rig that could deal with every type of performance, from comedians, magicians and single performers to duos, dance troupes and large live bands of all genres - and that could also double as a disco/dancefloor system. The venue's general manager Dave Bell and lighting technician/operator Mark Bell originally approached Robe UK with a view to enhancing their existing large PAR can rig with some moving light elements. After several demos and trials, both at Robe UK and on site, they radically altered their plans, opting to replace most of the old rig with moving lights.
The new lighting scheme was designed and programmed by Robe UK's Nathan Wan, and supplied and installed by Pat Wheelan of LS Direct. Four Robe 1200 Spots are positioned each side of stage on two FOH bars, angled at 45°. The zoom feature makes them ideal for gobo washes across the back wall and general stage work or for crowd skimming. Over-stage are eight MS Zoom 250s and 12 ColorMix 250s, used - depending on the act - for general back lighting and beam and colour effects. Six 575 Washes are rigged on the front-of-stage bar for front lighting, and the picture is completed by six floor mounting 575 Spots.
The club's low ceiling height meant the installation had to be exceptionally neat. Nathan Wan specified an Avolites Azure Shadow for control. This integrates all the new moving lights with the remaining PARs. The technical team - including sound operator Peter Fogg who occasionally turns his hand to lights - attended training sessions at Robe UK and Avolites before taking delivery of the new system.
Mark Bell commented: "The Robes introduce so many new dimensions and layers to the lighting. Everyone is having a lot more fun with the lighting now as opposed to it just illuminating the stage."
It's dramatically transformed the club for the performers who benefit from having their shows well lit. The lights are also proving a massive hit with audiences, who regularly comment on the spectacle - which is over and above what you'd expect in this type of venue. Dave Bell is delighted with the investment, "The lights are brilliant, and an important element of The Willows' continued success."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
