Stage Technologies Plays Role in National Theatre's 50th Anniversary Performance

The recent National Theatre: 50 Years on Stage event, which was broadcast live from the Olivier Theatre on London's South Bank, was a dazzling blend of live performance and archival footage celebrating the first half century of the UK's National Theatre. Stage Technologies supplied the automation equipment required for this landmark show, including 12 BT2-200 winches, an Illusionist console, and three AU:tour 6 automation control racks.

Steve Colley, head of stage engineering automation and rigging at the National Theatre said "Stage Technologies played a very special role in the delivery of this extraordinary production. The level of cooperation required between the technical and project teams at Stage Technologies and the National Theatre team to deliver the event was very demanding. Stage Technologies' expertise, constant support, and understanding were appreciated by all concerned."

The show was broadcast live, both on BBC2 in the UK and to cinema screens around the world. It featured a wide range of actors from both the present National Theatre roster as well as some from the original 1960s company, in short scenes selected from the 50 seasons. Most of the scenes required little more than a bare stage, but were punctuated by archival or recent video footage of performances, actors, and artistic teams. These projection screens were flown in speedily and quietly, and were used to obscure set and lighting changes happening behind them. This control system moved the scenic pieces and projection screens with the precision demanded by such a tightly choreographed show for this high-profile, one-off live broadcast.