London’s Royal Opera House opened its doors to the lighting industry from 26-27 July, as a series of manufacturers were given a rare chance to show off their latest kit.
The ROH, which would usually be in the peak of its summer season, is still largely on hold for in-person performances, but has been live streaming shows for several months. This quiet period in the venue’s calendar offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the lighting industry to take over one of the UK’s most historic stages.
The high ceilings and dramatic red/gold interior of the Opera House served as an impressive backdrop to a wide range of tech. A number of new and updated fixtures, as well as cutting edge followspot technology, were on show over the course of two days. It was one of the first chances to see the new Martin Mac Ultra, Robe Forte and Ayrton Huracan-X go head to head.
The demo was also a rare opportunity for friends – and competitors – to reunite in-person, albeit behind facemasks and at a 2m distance. Manufacturers have been hard at work even through lockdown, and curious conversations about who was ‘back’, and who had the best tech, could be heard through the Royal Opera House.
One person making a return was lighting designer Luke Edwards, who was on stage demoing followspot software Follow-Me. Edwards is making a return to work as Collaborative Creations’ new Marketing Manager, after undergoing surgery for a brain tumour. His appearance on stage received cheers from the crowd.
Another cheer went up when Mark Jonathan, Deputy Chair of the recently-renamed Association for Lighting Production and Design (formerly the ALD) appeared on stage during the afternoon of the second day. Jonathan announced the date of the upcoming Christmas lunch – 20 December – to a round of applause.
Speaking later in the day, Jonathan said he was pleased to see so many manufacturers in person once again. “It’s great to see everyone back together, and for people to show off the tech they’ve been developing during lockdown,” he commented. “It’s also clear that the manufacturers haven’t left the theatre industry behind, despite the time away. There’s plenty of the subtle shades and versatile effects that theatre needs. They’re not quite the same needs as in broadcasting and live gigs.”
The demo was a resounding success, and credit should be given to Paul Fielder and the rest of the team at the Royal Opera House who helped to make it happen. The full list of exhibitors from the event can be found below.
By order of appearance: Robe, Ayrton, Arri, GLP, Martin by Harman, Robert Juliat, Clay Paky, Chauvet, Elation, Follow-Me, Zactrack, Chroma-Q, ETC/High End, Astera and Vari-Lite.