To meet the demands of The Young Vic's innovative and expanding programme, the project has radically enhanced its facilities both front of house and backstage. Comprising its main auditorium restored to the highest and ultra-contemporary standards, it now features two new spaces : the Maria (capacity 160) and the Clare (capacity 80). The Young Vic now also provides audiences with welcoming public areas, a split level Cut Bar & Restaurant - boasting extensive entertaining facilities and an outdoor terrace.
Plus staff and performers will benefit from the greatly improved backstage facilities and the augmented technical infrastructure , which both position the Young Vic in line with contemporary productions' demands. Orbital's head of sales Tom Byrne collaborated with both The Young Vic's technical manager, Phil Gladwell and resident head of sound, Sarah Weltman, to ensure that the equipment specified met The Young Vic's detailed requirements and that the system arrived within the correct time-frames to fit with their tight build schedule.
Comprising five D12 and 26 E-Pac amplifiers to power a hugely adaptable system, which includes eight Q7's, four Ci90's deployed for vocal reinforcement. Plus 10 E3's combined with two Ci80's and 18 E0's for the delays/ surround and fills, which were backed up by two B2 subs.
The speakers are flown from hundreds of points around the unique egg crate grid, underlining the value of a light-weight box with high power as perfect for The Young Vic's requirements.
Technical manager Phil Gladwell commented: "Sarah and I decided on the d&b system because it represents the high quality that is expected of us at the Young Vic. The large variety of speakers we have chosen is so we will be able to adapt to any of the vast array of production types we produce. Sarah has had to work very hard to develop a system that allows the theatres ultimate flexibility without an unlimited budget! Tom at Orbital has really helped us with achieving that. Orbital being based down the road in Brixton has already proven very useful for support and training."
Orbital's Tom Byrne added: "We're so pleased to been appointed by The Young Vic to supply this system, it will ensure that the next generation of sound designers can exploit their talent to the full. Plus it complements the state of the art facilities now offered by the Young Vic, which sets it apart as a highly contemporary theatre complex in the centre of London."
The Main House opens with Tobias and the Angel, a community opera by Jonathan Dove and David Lan.
(Chris Henry)
