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Stage Technologies Fly High with Mary Poppins!
The highly acclaimed production of Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre is the largest automated show to hit the West End to date, with over 80 automated axes supplied by Stage Technologies Ltd.
The outstanding attention to detail of every set piece designed by Bob Crowley is controlled by sophisticated automation technology. The life size home of the Banks family, reminiscent of an Edwardian dolls house, but weighing approximately 5 tonnes, glides down stage at speeds of 1 meter per second as the 4 tonne roof is lowered into place with millimetre precision. Before long the house is moved back into the darkness and the roof is lowered to stage level to reveal a stunning children's nursery. Stage Technologies' Acrobat control desk, with Chameleon and Visual Creator software, control every movement, from these huge 10 tonne scene changes as well as the contrasting single axis moves, such as the single wooden bench, chimney or gate that slide delicately across the stage.
Stage Technologies have used an enormous amount of electrical and mechanical equipment to automate this remarkable production. 33 BigTow winches and seven MiniTow winches are installed, along with 11 other motor and gearbox combinations. The Maxis ID digital control system increases functionality while reducing the number of system components and offers superior positioning and accuracy. In addition, the Saxis control unit has once again proven it's worth as a single axis control system. One Saxis is used to control a personnel lift that raises Mary and the children up through a chimney. Integrated into the set, the Saxis is controlled locally allowing exacting requirements to be met whilst ensuring complete safety at all times. Another Saxis is used for a lift in the main stage floor and creates the first entrance of Mary Poppins and that of Mrs Andrews. The control system for the Main House had to be designed specifically for this application and due to its complexity actually travels on-board the stage truck. Combining the control of BigTow winches with hydraulic and electric components allows the house to 'build itself' as it travels downstage.
Mary and Burt achieve the dexterity of performer flying in a number of magical scenes throughout the performance. Visual creator enables the hugely complicated task of plotting positions in three-dimensional spaces to be completed with ease, maximising creative potential. Alex Hitchcock is the automation operator on this technically complex show, and is delighted with the result after the long hours and dedication from his automation team to ensure every detail runs smoothly. Mike Savage, Stage Technologies Project Manager, has worked very closely with the automation team over the last seven months and was a vital figure in the challenging move from the Bristol Hippodrome to the Prince Edward theatre. Mike comments: "Mary Poppins was a unique and challenging project as it utilised all of Stage Technologies standard products and control systems along with numerous bespoke control systems to achieve the desired results."
As an alternative to a permanent lighting truss that would spoil the appearance of the newly refurbished interior at the Prince Edward Theatre, Stage Technologies have installed four BigTow winches above the auditorium to raise and lower four light and speaker trusses, keeping them out of sight until the production begins.
Anything can happen when two extremely influential names in entertainment, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, collaborate to bring the eagerly anticipated Mary Poppins to the London stage. The 10-minute standing ovation on opening night was a clear indication that the hard work of everyone involved has been an exceptional triumph.
3rd March 2005
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