Blackout's director Kevin Monks and his eight-strong team were called upon to help transform Stoke Park's indoor tennis courts into an entertainment venue fit to host glittering performances from Sir Tom Jones and Laura Mvula.
With a complex build in a challenging indoor venue with limited roof loading capabilities, Blackout designed and supplied a James Thomas ground supported super truss grid for over the stage plus an additional truss goalpost for hanging the upstage LED screen supplied by PRG XL. The truss grid also provided support to lighting from PRG XL and sound equipment supplied by Britannia Row.
The team supplied and installed over 50 motors and truss from which to lift and hang stage lighting, set elements and speakers, working alongside the acclaimed production designer Nicoline Refsing of Rockart Design, who has previously delivered stage designs for major events such as The BRIT Awards, League of Legends Worlds 2015 and creative direction for Eurovision. From the beginning, Refsing worked closely with Kevin to incorporate his rigging advice into the design and came up with a radiating pattern of swagged organza drapes.
Working with Refsing's golden colour palette, together they sourced the exact fabric with a special shine that would create the right lighting effect and ambience in the room. Refsing also created sculptural designs of classic Bond girl dresses that Kevin and his team provided some intricate rigging for, to create a stunning affect as they were suspended in the air above black glitter plinths.
Kevin Monks explains: "A core component to our install was a modular roller screen, provided by Harkness Screens, on which a charity film was shown, raising to reveal performing acts and allow event organisers to hide stage changeovers throughout the show. We also installed an upstage track from which a purple festoon curtain was hung, to provide a moveable back drop for additional reveal moments throughout the show.
"The team worked closely with Sven Pederson and Tony Fagan to ensure the design was kept within the limited weight loading restrictions, overseen by engineers' Campbell Reith's. It was paramount that our own kits' weight was kept to a minimum to allow flexibility for the addition of extra set elements. As a result, we utilised our 500kgs Liftkets which have a lower self weight than other available hoists, plus our newly increased stock of Prostars 250kgs hoists."
This one-off 'star studded' gala evening saw HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and Their Royal Highnesses The Earl and Countess of Wessex in attendance, with funds raised to support the Duke of Edinburgh's charity.
(Jim Evans)
