The Stufish stage is lavish and multi-layered, transforming in appearance from an Art-Deco hotel, to a 20's style club and a luxurious ocean liner, and is surrounded by a massive, curved Austrian drape, all of which set the tone for Williams' sumptuous Swing Era extravaganza and big band sounds.
Brilliant Stages' Tony Bowern and its CAD team were instrumental in bringing Stufish's vision to fruition, providing the multiple staging elements of this complex, multi-functional performance area.
Fundamental to the set is a 1.8m high, 18.3m x 14.7m main stage with a deeply curved front edge and two additional levels - a mid-deck and an upper deck - rising from it. These are built using over 300 2.4m x 1m decks supported on custom frame assemblies which use poles to transfer the extra weight of the upper layers to the layers below. The whole is built on a rolling frame with heavy-duty castors that support the extra weight of the layers above and allow the framework to be rolled into place for faster setup.
"We were mindful of creating a structure that would give the support required without looking ugly or showing too much framework," says Brilliant Stages' lead CAD designer for the project, Ollie Laight. "The result is a clean, minimalist look which allows the rear video screens to be seen through them."
Preliminary and final plans for all load-bearing frames and support structure were passed to Brilliant Stages structural engineer, Malcolm Richards, who advised on structural integrity and gave clearance before construction commenced.
The main stage front edge includes a step-down shelf and acoustic mesh, which accommodates space for PA sub-speakers and, like the mid and upper levels, fixing points for lighting. The stage is surmounted by a 14.7m x 9.59m lower base that follows the concentric outline of the main stage and is raised by 15cm using insert legs.
A manually operated star trap is integrated into the main stage framework with built-in dolly wheels that allow it to be simply rolled into place and left in situ for the duration of the show.
Each deck level includes a curved handrail at the front edge and is connected by sweeping ornate performer treads on stage whilst linked backstage by rear access steps. These are a low profile solution of minimal construction to maximise the visual aesthetics and are easy to set and strike: "It is important that these features simultaneously look good and are practical for the crew," says Laight. "We also had to give them enough support while allowing room beneath for a set of rolling 'bleacher' steps, which are brought onto stage and locked into position with brakes, for Williams and a choir of children to sit on during the High Hopes number."
Upper and lower 'cabins' are formed between the three layers using scenic cladding suitable for a quick removal and change between acts. These are finished with additional 'ship' and 'Art Deco hotel' style quick-release fascia panels for the backline, lower and mid deck sections.
Back down at stage level, Brilliant Stages designed and built stage-left and stage-right screamers, with access steps, on cantilever frames and two 300mm high tech decks. Like the main stage, these are on a system of rolling insert legs for easy deployment.
A 1.2m high elliptical catwalk extends 18m from the main stage into the audience to a B-stage. Brilliant Stages constructed the catwalk on rolling leg assemblies and built the B-Stage on custom-designed dollies with decks that simply fol
