National Theatre upgrades with MAC Encores
- Details
The acquisition forms part of a 10-year plan, as Paul Hornsby, the NT’s lighting resources manager, explains. “We review which equipment has reached end of life and decide what needs to be retired first - but the decision is driven by LDs as well. We only go dark for five days a year and we managed to replace these on the rig without losing a show.”
The purchase was authorised jointly by Hornsby, head of lighting Matt Drury, and Jack Williams, lighting supervisor for the Olivier Theatre, following a three-day evaluation against a number of competitive brands.
The final installed inventory comprises 29 MAC Encore Performance (24 x WRM 3000K versions and five CLD 6000K versions) and 13 x MAC Encore Wash WRM fixtures. The Performance fixtures were specified with optional enhanced frost flags and the Wash fixtures with optional PC lenses.
Hornsby confirms that achieving the tungsten look from an LED fixture had been the initial aim. “Our start point was to recreate what the Tungsten Wash did - and then look at additional feature set.” Key features include the quietness of operation, flexibility, energy efficiency and power output.
Paul Roughton of Stage Electrics, adds: “We have supplied and supported Martin products for many years, and the Encore range continues their reputation for top class theatre products.”
All fixtures were supplied by Sound Technology Ltd, the distributor of Martin by Harman in the UK.
(Jim Evans)
