Hersey and his assistant Jenny Kagan worked closely with production designer John Napier to create the setting for the story. Originally developed for the show's New York opening, the six and eight lamp DHA DLCs provide an intense sheet of light, controlled by a dedicated computer providing the facility to adjust the tilt, angle and colour of each individual 6' section on cue during the show. An additional computer is used to control the colour and movement possibilities of the total rig - 20 concert-style Vari-Lites which are used to create special effects for the action scenes, plus six followspots and 470 conventional lights.
New to the lighting rig are 150 ETC Source Fours, also supplied by lighting rental company White Light. The only luminaire available which combines the energy-saving power of the HPL lamp with the patented dichroic reflector, Source Fours are ideal for touring companies, as power supply might vary from venue to venue. Source Four was also the first luminaire of its kind to allow for glass gobo projection without shattering the glass in the heat.Following its eight-month run in Manchester the show will then continue its UK tour before heading overseas to destinations, which include Poland and Singapore.
