The show included a three-hour air display, featuring The Red Arrows, with Lancaster, Spitfire, Swordfish, Harrier, Mustang and Falcon aircraft, while the music included Sir George Martin and The RAF Central Band and The Glenn Miller Orchestra (as well as local Fairport Convention man Ric Sanders and his Group). The revival show even offered a trip to New York for the best-dressed 1940s couple.
With Steve Allen production managing, the choreographed show featured a combination of live camera feeds and library images, relayed to the giant 25mm screen mounted on an ELP (Elstree Light & Power) goalpost structure supplied by Robbie Wilson. Recorded material was played back on BetacamSP devices. Although the attendance was less than had been hoped for, the authenticity of the occasion and picturesque backdrop made the event one of the highlights of the summer.
Commenting on CT Screenco's technological input, production manager Steve Allen said: "We have a long-standing relationship with the company and know we can depend on them to deliver a first class service - no matter what we throw at them. Their display at Blenheim provided a focal point for the whole occasion."
(Lee Baldock)
