The show is currently visiting various sites across the UK and, for the sixth year running, WL is providing the lighting and power equipment.
In The Night Garden Live! consists of two shows featuring stories about the main characters of Igglepiggle and Makka Pakka. Andrew Fidgeon is production electrician on the show. He comments, "In The Night Garden Live! is a unique show. Not only are there four performances a day but every show takes place in a purpose-built show dome which has to be inflated on site in every city we visit."
With the show taking place in a non-traditional theatre space, this meant that the lighting had to be adaptable.
Andrew adds, "Due to the space in which the show is performed, we obviously couldn't hang anything off the rafters as there weren't any! Rather we had to use self-supporting trusses which were rigged around the set and seating bank itself. Similarly, the dome gets extremely hot so we had to ensure we steered more towards LED fixtures as opposed to tungsten."
The lighting used includes Martin MAC 2000 Performances, Martin Rush PAR 2s, Vari*Lite VL1000TS, Coemar LED Parlites, Avo Art 2000 48 Way Dimmer Rack, Various LED Battens, ETC Source Fours and CCT Minuette Fresnels.
Andrew adds, "It was vital for a show like this to draw on equipment that could not only be used on four shows a day but be suitable for that non-traditional space. Prior to the show's first run in London, we came down to WL for four days' prep where we could try out the different set-ups and ensure that we chose the perfect rig."
Along with providing the lighting for the actual show, WL also supplied the lighting for the front of house, hospitality areas, back stage, wardrobe, site office and green room, along with all of the on-site power distribution.
In The Night Garden Live! opened on 26 May and will run until 21 August. Following its opening in London, it will now visit Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham followed by The Trafford Centre in Manchester.
(Jim Evans)
