Carousel at the Chichester Festival Theatre. Photo credit: Catherine Ashmore.
UK - A life-sized carousel is operated by a mechanical revolve supplied by Stage Technologies and sets the scene for love, romance and sometimes violence between two lovers in a nineteenth century New England fishing community. The Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein musical Carousel is being staged at the Chichester Festival Theatre for a three month run, finishing on the 1 September.

The sets were built by All Scene All Props and the revival uses a Stage Technologies' simple Saxis control unit and hand held controller to operate the revolve which at various times also moves props and people.

Stage Technologies worked with Piers Ross from All Scene All Props to bring the Carousel to life. Piers required a rental system that they could install for this single element of the show. Stage Technologies have been providing rental systems to automate shows for over 10 years. Their modular off-the-shelf equipment enables them to supply systems for productions requiring very small amounts of automation, right through to large productions with as many as 100 axes, such as Mary Poppins in the West End.

Earlier this year Stage Technologies worked with Ross on Hilda at the Hampstead Theatre. This project also required a revolve to be installed into the set whilst being built at All Scene All Prop's workshops before being transported and installed in the theatre. After the latest production Ross commented: "It has once again been a pleasure working with Stage Technologies. All aspects of their work with me and our clients, were dealt with quickly and professionally. The hire parts were delivered on time and the site engineers were equally prompt. In addition the revolve system really works very well whether it be heavily loaded or not. We will definitely use Stage Technologies in the future as we feel the working relationship with our clients is very valuable and it is important that any sub contractors we use appreciate and value those same working relationships."

Stage Technologies modular rental systems can be hired for long and short term periods, even for one day events, enabling performances of all sizes to benefit from the advantages of stage automation.

(Chris Henry)


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