Ben Teale from Berkshire-based Congo Blue provided lighting, sound, set and full technical production for this section of the show for the eighth season. This year he wanted something different to incorporate into his set design which had to be a versatile effect and fit the budget.
The StageBanners were mounted on the top rail of the rear truss above the runway entrance, Four polycarbonate panels with different sized holes cut into them, were suspended below each StageBanner, painted white on one side and black on the reverse. Small spinning bases were positioned at the bottom of the panels, supporting them on the same axis.
The StageBanners were run off a small DMX controller and the revolving doors proved an incredibly simple but dynamic prop that created plenty of varied drama for the entrances and exits throughout the show. A total of 22 different collections were featured, all of which had to look, sound and feel different.
"We were able to have the doors opening, closing, and rotating in enough of different formats to make all elements look unique," says Teale. "Everyone was highly impressed with the results, including show director Paul Swaby and choreographer Johnny Vukasovic."
Lighting was designed by Richard Parkes and operated by him using an Avolites Pearl. He did a great job of making the different shows all look varied and individual. Most of the colour and pizzazz was applied for the entrances and exits, while the models and clothing were clearly illuminated as they strutted their stuff up and down the runway.
(Jim Evans)
