Alistair Kilbee: ‘Theatre is my passion and lighting is my background’
South Africa - Gearhouse Splitbeam, the South African theatre equipment rental company, has invested in 53 new ProLyft Aetos motors and three Aetos 24 way remote controllers to keep up with demand of upcoming theatre productions. The company was established by Alistair Kilbee and Ofer Lapid in 2010, who realised the challenges of long-term rentals and who wanted to provide the best professional gear at the best possible prices to their clients.
“We have sent the 53 new Aetos motors, along with 47 of our existing stock - a total of 100 Aetos motors - to the Philippines where they will begin a world tour,” explains Alistair Kilbee, managing director. “I will be joining the production in Manila in January 2019 as technical director, but will not be touring with the show, only flying in for load in / load outs as required.”
In addition, Splitbeam has invested in Eilon load cells. “The Eilon load cells are crucial in monitoring your load weights while lifting to ensure an even distribution of weight between motors. The great thing about the wireless Eilon system that we purchased is that the cells can be monitored continuously in real time via an iPad. This particular production has a complex rigging system, so the load cells will help to ensure the safety of the performers and longevity of our Aetos Motors.”
Splitbeam has been involved in a number of international touring productions such as Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Evita and The Sound of Music.
“It is not always easy competing with the equipment requirements, fluctuating exchange rate and logistics but these challenges are what we thrive on and we are able to learn and continuously improve our service delivery as a result,” says Alistair. “Theatre is my passion and lighting is my background, so Splitbeam was originally just a lighting company specialising in Theatre rental. However, we have had to adapt to meet the technical needs of theatre productions and are very pleased to now be able to provide the full package, lighting, audio, AV and rigging as well as technical management services.”
(Jim Evans)

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