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Stage Technologies Automate Marguerite
An elaborate, automated set has been installed at the Theatre Royal Haymarket for the new London musical ‘Marguerite’. Stage Technologies worked with set builders Scott Fleary to realise designer Paul Brown’s ambitious scheme, skilfully designed to fit into the small backstage space behind the Haymarket's grand proscenium.
Stage Technologies were asked to provide a 16-axis automation system for the new show that tells a story of love, set in Paris during the Second World War. Two revolves create an inner and outer turning circle on stage to carry performers and props, such as tables, chairs and a bed. Four decorative doors are programmed to open and close to let the props pass through as they move across the stage on tracks or turn on the outer revolve. Two large wall pieces track up and down stage to create the backdrop of a beautiful mirrored room, whilst a square iris opening in one of the walls allows performers to enter onto the stage.
Paul Brown's hugely inventive set has walls sliding and opening to create new scenes from a glamorous mirrored apartment interior. “The functionality of the design keeps the whole show moving at a cracking pace, without the feeling that we're being dominated by gadgetry,” commented Peter Brown in his Londontheatre.com review of the show.
Richard Storry, automation operator for the show, commented: “I first worked with Stage Technologies’ automation equipment in 2005 for the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Novello Theatre. I continued to work for the RSC until 2007, including work with their portable and fixed installation system at the Courtyard Theatre. I have also worked for the Generating Company at the Universal Studios in Japan in 2007, which involved extensive performer flying. This experience meant I was very familiar with the equipment on Marguerite and worked with Stage Technologies rental team to plot the show during the two weeks of dry tech.”
24th June 2008
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