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Lee Evans Touring with Avolites
Lee Evans, one of the best loved stars of stage and screen is once again about to enter the record books with the UK's biggest ever live comedy gig and Avolites is the console of choice for Ian Jackson-French and Damian Courage who rented a Pearl 2008 and lighting rig from CoNi Limited for the tour.
Lighting director/designer Ian Jackson-French explains: "The console had all the functions that were required, presented through an intuitive interface. In two words: ‘simple and effective."
Evans is not only the UK's favorites comedian but also an accomplished actor who has already starred in ‘There's something about Mary', ‘The Fifth Element', ‘Funny Bones' and ‘The Martins'. With a total of 460,000 tickets available the 'Lee Evans - Big - UK Tour 2008' has been touring in UK Arenas across 59 different dates. He has been welcomed in the two biggest entertainment venues of the capital city: the O2 Arena and Wembley Arena.
And by performing in the O2 Arena, Lee Evans has made history. He said during an interview: "Being the first comedian to play at the O2 Arena will be amazing. I'm so excited to be able to perform there; it is a big space to fill but I love a challenge!"
In addition to the Pearl 2008, Ian Jackson-French also used an Avolites Art 2000 48 way dimmer, Avolites FD 72 way dimmer, Martin lights and for his first time on tour the Martin MAC 700 profile which were in his opinion ahead of the 550/600s in terms of features and versatility.
Ian explains: "In massive arenas where most of the audience are served by close-ups of Lee on the screens, it is important to start with the basics and get the ‘photography' right.
If the image on the screen is poorly lit this will have a hugely detrimental effect on the show. After that, it is necessary to provide a glamorous, but not distracting, environment for the comedy. Throw into the mix some nice dynamic looks for Lee's songs, and sketches with clever video links and add in some visually exciting intros and outros and the job is done!"
Damian Courage, who has been an Avo user for over ten years, quickly became ‘Mr Can Do' during the tour. He efficiently ensured that everything ran smoothly and turned Ian's design into a working touring rig.
Ian and Damian both enthusiastically agreed on the fact that they really enjoyed touring with Lee Evans. Jackson-French ads: "Evans really appreciates his audience and is keen to make sure they experience a fantastic night out with high ‘perceived value'."
And while the Lee Evans Big UK Tour DVD is already going on sale and will probably hit the number 1 spot (they pre sold 50,000 DVDs) lighting designer Ian travels between England and France, working between a new series of ‘Live at Apollo' in London and the musical ‘On the Town' at Theatre du Châtelet in Paris.
28th November 2008
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