The centre is aimed at all levels of performance from internationally acclaimed professionals to local school children. It reflects this versatility by offering an impressive array of facilities, including six performance spaces, an artist suite, three artist studios, a technology suite, four media studios plus hospitality suites, a restaurant, a reception and box office area. In addition to being a state-of-the-art entertainment venue, the Pyramid Centre will also host a range of corporate events and conferences.
With such a broad spectrum of potential uses for the venue, versatility was paramount for all equipment supplied for the project. Richard Fleming, the centre's technical manager, specified 36 2x1m units of Metrodeck, having seen it showcased at PLASA 2001. "As flexibility was the key factor we needed a staging system that was multi-purpose and highly adaptable. It's better to spend money on something we can use in a wide variety of applications, than something that can be used in only one way!"
Maltbury was chosen over two other staging companies to supply its popular mid-weight Metrodeck system, which was customised with varnished birch ply tops and fascias. The units provide a demountable staging facility suitable for use throughout the venue or, alternatively, in combination with 100 luxury tip-up chairs, also supplied by Maltbury, the Metrodeck units create a versatile tiered seating system for the ground floor theatre area. "Maltbury's Metrodeck has lived up to, and surpassed, all our expectations: it's versatile, strong and reliable and it suits our needs right down to the ground! Its professional look and impressive performance is great for professional stage productions, whilst its simplicity and convenience is brilliant for amateur performances," said Fleming.
(Ruth Rossington)
