Prolyte Panto Ground SupportIPS helped BT Events build a complete theatre to stage a panto in an aircraft hanger.

 Working with event production company BT Events, IPS supplied Rigging, Staging, Lighting and Power Distribution for this ambitious project, which enabled the Phoenix Players to perform a pantomime in a Monarch Engineering hanger in Luton. There is a great video of the build online here which really shows the transformation.

Project Manager Lizzy Archer developed the concept and also led the build onsite; commenting “although it is all behind me now, it has been a challenging but fun project – I’m really pleased we were able to help Cinderella get to the ball”

The build was based around a self-climbing Prolyte truss structure, with a H30V grid supported on 12 MPT towers. This large truss structure was then fitted with with nearly 10,000 square feet of black drape to create the auditorium, including stage curtains and backstage masking. LiteDeck staging was then used to create a performance stage and a tiered auditorium area, complete with 250 linking chairs.

Lighting was provided via a range of generic fixtures, with Pixel Track Pro LED battens adding colour, and Robe Pointes providing some movement, all controlled via an Avolites Tiger Touch 2 lighting desk. A mirror ball also added some sparkle, and pyro and confetti effects were supplied, along with snow and haze machines to complete the experience.

Power distribution was from the venue 125a 3 phase supply, and along with distribution, dimming and cabling, IPS also provided dimmable house lights, exit lights and emergency lighting within the structure.

This is one of several pantomimes that IPS have been involved with over the last month, including supplying lighting equipment for a longstanding customer MKAOS for their very popular performances of the Wizard of Oz in their new panto home at The VenueMK. If you have a theatrical show coming up, and have any Staging, Rigging, Lighting, Video, Sound or Power requirements, please get in touch – or if it is equipment you need, have a look at the dry hire section of our website.