Blackout's project manager Chris Brain collaborated with GSP's managing director Emma Gold and GSP's appointed set designer to dress the venue to their specifications. The set recreated in minute detail an opulent theatrical environment in the film's signatory red and black colours. To set the scene an eclectic mix of props was sourced both from the movie and GSP's creative team. The stage was crowned by a 5 x 8m 25,000-crystal chandelier supplied by Swarovski. As a finishing touch 1,000 black-edged red roses, supplied by Jayne Copperwaite, were suspended on fishing line to add to the Phantom 'experience'. The Blackout team used 2,000 square metres of dark red velour to transform the venue's stark blue walls into a richly ruby Phantomic domain. Another 300 metres of red velour was adapted from Blackout's extensive hire stock and deployed on the main stage. Tumbling swags of red velour trimmed in gold bullion fringe framed the stage and set the scene of the drama.
GSP brought in Canegreen Commercial to manage the sound at the party, whose managing director, Andrew Frengley, explained: "The system required fairly complex design to seamlessly integrate performance elements at one end and across the hall with a central large disco/performance stage. We covered the area in front of the main stage with flown Meyer MILO line-arrays that carried the dynamic voices of Amici Forever as well as capturing the essential rhythmic aspects of an authentic flamenco performance. We also deployed a large number of Meyer UPA1-Ps across and down the hall, augmented by a circular array of MSL-2s focused on the central raised stage with hidden sub bass beneath. The system was time aligned to ensure smooth coverage across the various zones." He adds: "It was one of the best looking shows I have ever seen."
(Lee Baldock)
