Unusual role in West End with Mrs Doubtfire
- Details
The adaptation of the ‘90s movie starring Robin Williams, originated on Broadway, before transferring to the UK where it enjoyed a successful run at the Manchester Opera House. It opened at The Shaftesbury Theatre on 12 May and, like most big scale musicals, boasts several large scenic pieces to be rigged, flown and stored - along with extensive lighting and sound rigs.
Simon commented: “Unusual Rigging has provided all the rigging motors, grid diverts and general rigging for this complex show which is multi scenic and heavily automated. The Shaftesbury theatre is much smaller than the Sondheim Theatre on Broadway where it originated so getting the show to fit was a huge challenge… and that’s why I chose to work with Unusual.”
To accommodate for the weight of the show and the number of flown elements, Unusual first carried out some reworking of the grid before load in could take place. “The schedule was tight, with just three weeks to get everything in, but the Unusual team managed to keep to the deadline and were in good shape to receive the cast on-stage on time,”
Simon worked closely with Unusual’s design engineer, Emily Egleton, with Tom Berry taking charge of the installation as production rigger. “Tom did an absolutely fantastic job on-site. Meanwhile, I’ve worked with Emily for many years and thankfully she is incredibly patient and long suffering, and with her at the helm, all technology is hidden in the scenic design.
“So provided the performance is smooth, all of Unusual’s contribution to Mrs Doubtfire should be invisible and unnoticed by the audience, though those of us behind the scenes know just how invaluable their contribution is. It’s a true marker of Unusual’s success when the audience is oblivious to their work.”
