The newly opened Dubai Opera House where Les Mis
UAE - When the touring version of the musical Les Misérables arrived at the newly opened Dubai Opera in November 2016, members of Showforce's experienced team of stage crew and event staff were on-hand to assist. Running from 17 November until 2 December, there were 18 performances in total and as the first show of its kind to be held in the UAE, it was hailed a huge success.

Working directly with the team at Dubai Opera, as part of its on-going contract with the venue, and long-standing client, Sports & Entertainment Solutions, the Showforce team supported the touring production throughout the load in, the three-week run of sell-out performances and subsequent load out.

Initially, a team of 10 crew members was tasked with the unloading of no less than 17 40-foot shipping containers, that had arrived in Dubai from Singapore, the previous stop on the tour. During the second day of the build, the crew were tasked with helping to assemble the large pieces of stage set that were required for all the multiple set changes the show is famous for. In addition, four specialist lighting technicians provided support to the production's touring crew.

Once the run of performances began Showforce provided a team of two follow spot operators, three stage technicians who assisted with all set changes and a hostess who helped to seat Dubai Opera's and Sports & Entertainment Solutions VIP guests. In addition, eight of Showforce's accomplished wardrobe assistants helped the cast with costume changes, which included 392 costumes in total and 1,782 items of clothing.

(Jim Evans)


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