This featured the act, host and broadcaster presenting special guest artists all performing some of the greatest funk and soul songs, backed by the Fantasy Funk Band.
This was followed on the Saturday by a Chatsworth Proms Spectacular - an evening of classical favourites including popular arias sung by Tenor John Pierce and soprano Janet Mooney and the UK Philharmonic Orchestra (comprising leading players from Manchester's Halle, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and others) conducted by Jae Alexander.
HSL's project manager John Slevin worked with CSG Events' production manager Craig Greaves to deliver a dynamic production design to serve all artists involved across the two evenings of eclectic entertainment. The Craig Charles night was recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 6 Live and HSL was "delighted to be involved in the event for the first time," commented John.
The lighting design was based on six overstage trusses which were sub-hung from an orbit style roof and staging system with a 14 metres wide by 15 deep stage below. The main overhead moving lights were 18 x Vari*Lite 2500 Spots, 34 x Robe LEDBeam 100s, 22 x Robe LEDWash 600s and six Clay Paky Sharpys, together with a Robert Juliat Ivanhoe follow spot positioned at FOH. On the stage were another four Sharpys and six LED Beam 100s in weather domes for shooting beams out into the crowd - both shows invited a lot of audience interaction - and 10 Philips Showline eSTRIP 10 LED battens were rigged on truss towers at the back of the stage for additional depth.
"It was a practical and adaptable rig that worked for everyone performing and the wide mix of music presented," explained John.
An Avolites Sapphire touch was supplied for control which was run by the HSL crew of Andy Whittaker, Harrison Cooke and Will Neild who joined John at the stately home on the banks of the river Derwent.
The challenges included ensuring that the grounds were well protected from any potential damage that might be involved in staging a full-on outdoor concert for 8,000, and also adhering to sound restrictions, a delicate task which was handled by Adlib Audio.
Says John, "There was a great synergy between our crew and Craig's team to deliver excellent production values and results - which were enjoyed by the large audiences."
(Jim Evans)
