The project involved Vertigo undertaking an intense four-day working period during which time they installed large amounts of trussing and drapes. Follies - considered by many to be one of the greatest musicals of all time - was directed by Paul Kerryson and designed by Paul Farnsworth, and this was the first time the Sondheim classic has featured on a London stage for 15 years.
Follies’ scenic style transposes the audience to the crumbling Weissman Theatre, as memories from its glorious past reunite and are remembered one more time. The fact that the RFH needed to resemble a dilapidated venue at the end of the day didn’t make the set and rigging any easier - quite the contrary! For the Vertigo team, led by Paddy Burnside, the project began with the need to raise the 18 tonne over-stage acoustic canopy - to maximize the venue’s headroom. This is a tricky job, which Vertigo achieved using a manual lever hoist system - to minimize the dynamic loading and ensure the canopy - delicate despite its 22 tonnes - wasn't damaged.
Vertigo installed an over-stage mother grid and several lighting trusses, a FOH lighting truss, and a truss that suspended the false proscenium arch. They then hung various set chandeliers and festoons and installed temporary rigging mechanisms to raise and lower the chandeliers. The trussing utilized was either Thomas 52cm SuperTruss or Thomas 30.5cm GP trussing, and the 15 motors were all Lodestars. Vertigo also flew the L-Acoustics V-dosc sound system, supplied to Follies by Autograph Sound.
The Vertigo team worked closely with the show production manager Jonathan Bartlett, designer Paul Farnsworth and Ken Francey of the RFH.
(Ruth Rossington)
