Philips Vari-Lite VL800 BeamLine Stars on National Theatre's River Stage

	Signify's Entertainment Lighting's Philips Vari-Lite VL800 BeamLine, VLZ Profile, and VL2600 Profile were among the extensive lighting rig provided for the National Theatre's River Stage. Photo: Vicki Couchman / The Fifth Estate

Signify, a provider of lighting, announces its successful collaboration with the National Theatre's River Stage Festival. The River Stage, which provides a diverse range of free entertainment over a five-week summer season, once again benefitted from an array of the latest stage lighting products from the Philips Vari-Lite brand, including the striking new VL800 BeamLine.

Built outside the National Theatre on London's South Bank, the River Stage presents diverse entertainment from visiting companies including Sadler's Wells, HOME Manchester, and music experimentalists, Nonclassical. Using the latest fixtures from the Philips Vari-Lite and Showline brands, lighting designer Huw Llewellyn was able to provide rich and varied lighting designs for the wide variety of performance styles.

"Without Signify's support, we couldn't do what we do with River Stage," says Llewellyn. "Acts ranged from spoken word to bands, from contemporary dance to DJs, in direct sunlight and after-dark party moments. To be able to utilize the power, features, and robustness of the Philips Vari-Lite VL2600s, the VLZs, and VL800 BeamLines on the stage made it possible. We would never have been able to achieve the high quality of lighting without them."

Amber Etra, product application specialist, says: "We are proud to support the River Stage Festival for the third consecutive year, helping to bring to life performances from a diverse array of acts during the British summer. The Philips Vari-Lite VL800 BeamLine's bright and distinctive flat sheet of light brought dynamic movement and color possibilities, while the new VLZ and VL2600 Profile LED fixtures also helped to ensure the range of performances were beautifully lit in all conditions."

New to the River Stage this year, the Philips Vari-Lite VL800 BeamLine is the first LED effects unit from the Philips Vari-Lite brand. Its advanced control options helped Llewellyn to achieve unique and atmospheric looks, adding extra depth and dimension to his designs.

The River Stage Festival highlights the long-standing relationship between Signify and the National Theatre.

Signify became the new company name of Philips Lighting as of May 16, 2018.

Signify Entertainment Lighting comprises the Philips Vari-Lite, Philips Strand Lighting, and Philips Selecon brands, as well as the Philips Showline range of LED stage luminaires.