Unusual Rigging Supports Arena Tour of Les Miserables

	Michael Ball as Javert. Photo: Danny Kaan

Unusual Rigging has played a pivotal role in the technical setup for Cameron Mackintosh and Nick Grace's Les Miserables: The Arena Spectacular World Tour.

Unusual took on the full design of the rigging infrastructure for the entire show, as well as manufacturing and assembling a custom mothergrid, which supports the lighting and scenic elements for this production.

Luke McBride, design engineer at Unusual, explains: "Our involvement with the concept of the arena spectacular tour began way back in 2020. This was a time when COVID-19 was at its peak and theatres had gone dark. At the time it was rumored that arena events would be the first to restart as the scale of the venues would allow social distancing to be possible. Nevertheless, we didn't begin work in earnest until February 2024, working with the show's technical director, Chris Boone."

Physical work began with a week of assembly and test building at the Unusual warehouse in Bugbrooke, Northampton, followed by rigging the full show in Production Park in Wakefield to facilitate rehearsals. The Unusual team supported the touring riggers during this handover.

Boone comments: "We know we can always rely on Unusual to pull it out of the bag in terms of design. This time they had their work cut out to come up with a system that could cope with the rigorous demands of this world tour. Working closely with the production's set designer, Matt Kinnley and video designer, Finn Ross, Unusual was able to deliver a system that ticked all the boxes."

McBride continues: "One of the most significant challenges of this was ensuring the show remains mobile yet spectacular. At the core of the rigging design is a TT mother truss, manufactured by Eurotruss, which houses 28 automated chain hoists and supports 11 lighting trusses. The mother truss and hoists also allow for scenic elements, such as the iconic Parisian streetlamps and a flown bridge, to fly beneath it."

In fact, the entire rigging system was engineered for efficiency, with custom-made trusses and bracketry designed to pack tightly into trucks. This ensures that 14m by 13m mother truss can fit into just two-thirds of a standard trailer, making it ideal for the demands of a two-year world tour. The equipment is built to withstand constant use, ensuring a smooth and consistent performance at every venue.

Key to the automation of the rigging system is the Kinesys Apex system providing control and safety for the 28 automated chain hoists. These were provided by MOTOR Stage Automation and adhere to the highest safety standards worldwide, the company says, ensuring compliance no matter where the production travels. McBride adds; "Unusual Rigging has been involved in various forms of the Les Miserables staged concert before, including at the Gielgud Theatre and Sondheim Theatre. However, this is the first time the show has been adapted for a touring arena production. We'll be on hand throughout to offer technical advice and ensure the show remains tourable, while supporting the tour as it calls at more challenging venues."

Boone concludes: "Once again Unusual has pulled it out of the bag. We know we can always rely on the team for their amazing design work and it is truly incredible how Unusual, in collaboration with new suppliers and the tour's head rigger, Roger Smissen, have come together to deliver the show."