Yates utilized 16 Pixelline battens and eight PixelPAR 660 Par 64 equivalent fixtures, plus a large moving light rig for the shows. The Pixellines were used vertically all around the spectacular set - designed by Richard Plumb - to add a punchy architectural strip effect on camera. The PixelPAR 660s were also utilized visibly on the set, where they functioned as dancer footlights. Yates, who's lit this show for its various series over the last 5 years, decided to try the fixtures following a demo by James Thomas's Chris Ewington. Now "We wouldn't be without them" he enthuses.
Working with his team of Vari*Lite operator Mike 'Oz' Owen and console operator Ken Nelson, Yates needed to ensure the lighting rig was as versatile as possible to cover the wide assortment of musical styles incorporated across the three programmes. These ranged from gentle ballads to serious rock out numbers to cabaret turns complete with dancers.
The quality of visuals, technical elements and performance was extremely high. The set formed an ideal backdrop, a beguiling series of interlocking white sails above, with a curved staircase sweeping down from the rear of stage below, completed with set of electric under-stair doors for entrances and exits.
The Pixel fixtures were controlled by Owen via his virtuoso console. He was also suitable impressed with their brightness and fast response time - finding them as ideal for rock 'n' roll moments as they are for subtle sculptural effects. They also utilised the Pixel's incredibly fast strobing capabilities in scatter style effects around the set. This is enhanced by an inbuilt strobing device featured on all fixtures in the range. They can also be strobed in different colours which produces a powerful and dramatic rainbow effect!
Recording took place with live audiences, over an intense week in Studio 12 of Granada's complex in central Manchester. The first celebrity Stars In Their Eyes was 'Legends' which included covers of songs by superstars like Madonna and Sinatra; the second featured performances from various soap stars from The Bill, Emmerdale, Night & Day, etc, and the third programme featured covers of hits from Robbie Williams, Don Henley, Diana Ross, etc - all sung by Coronation Street stars.
(Lee Baldock)
