Beginning life as a one studio theatre with only seven shows a day, the Gilded Balloon now operates nine spaces with over one hundred shows performed on a daily basis. The venue is renowned for its late night comedy shows and has helped launch the careers of household names such as Peter Kay, Bill Bailey and Russell Brand. This year, it hosts acts such as Jo Brand, Alan Davies and Johnny Vegas. White Light will be providing both the lighting equipment and on-site support at the venue. Siobhan Briggs, production manager at the Gilded Balloon, comments, "It's vital for us to have a supplier like White Light on board. Having a team who will come to your venue to ensure that everything is in full working order and that we're getting the most out of every show is invaluable."
This year, the venue will be utilising the latest technology such as the ShineBall, an RGB LED product with 80mm globes along with SGM G-Spots, moving lights that can be used outside without requiring additional weatherproofing. An Enttec E-Streamer Mk2 will also be used, with this being a playback device capable of recording multiple universes of DMX output from a lighting console and then playing them back in real time.
Craig Bennett, White Light's hire business development manager, comments, "With our services continuing to grow, we are able to offer the Gilded Balloon a whole host of equipment. By returning each year, our knowledge of both the venue and its programming constantly develops meaning we are able to offer a confident recommendation of the equipment which bests suits their requirements."
Alison Neville, head of lighting at the Gilded Balloon, adds: "It is unbelievably helpful knowing that White Light not only have an expansive stock range but a highly-skilled team to accompany this. As a result, they can create set-ups which are perfectly matched for our various spaces, creating a better experience overall for our audience."
Amongst the multiple celebrations at the venue is a star-studded gala event being held this Saturday. Alison comments: "The gala promises to be an amazing evening. It embodies everything about the Gilded Balloon which has made it the renowned venue it is today: talented acts within a historic setting."
(Jim Evans)
