Closer to Heaven

Closer to Heaven ‘a very large musical in a very small space’ enjoyed a successful run last year at the Arts Theatre in London. The show, which was lit by designer Mark Henderson with Martin equipment supplied by The Moving Light Company, is a multi-scene contemporary musical set in the hedonistic, seedy club world.

Mark explains: “With both restrictions on space and power (and not to say budget), it was a very testing design and production process. The rig was largely made up of moving lights to cope with the differing locations and to help re-create the atmosphere and effects that go with the territory of the setting.”

He continues: “With both space and power at a premium, the MAC 250s and 300s were ideal for the job. With a relatively short throw from source to stage we utilised the wider angle lens facility on some units which together with the diffuser gave us a very broad shot from a short range.”

“Part of the design brief was to envelop not only the stage, but also the auditorium with the nightclub atmosphere. This meant that there was a lot of strobing and moving light chases throughout the whole space echoing the sharp aggressive feel of the music.”

“The MACs were absolutely ideal for the show - being able to utilise the strobing facility and color mixing gave us such a variety of options and looks. Also with the color temperature matching that of the other stroboscopic units on the show, it meant that we could really go to town with the crisp, in-your-face, aggressive atmosphere that is right for the show.”

“There are of course some calmer moments with small dramatic scenes played in particular locations. The MACs also coped with these really well. The position, color and intensity requirements were re-created accurately time after time. We have just one MAC 500 in the rig which basically is used as a followspot type unit, tracking across the stage for various nightclub style pick-ups. Again this works very well with the smooth accurate unit proving its worth.”

“The rig had to work hard during the production process with the units being used for 14 hours a day over many weeks. In terms of reliability the MACs proved to be faultless. I don’t think I can remember one unit having to be changed. I was really very pleased with the MACs, they proved to be the ideal choice for the production and the venue and were faultless in terms of reliability and flexibility. This was very important during the production process as the show was constantly being shaped and formed.”

Production Specification
Lighting Designer - Mark Henderson
Production Company - The Really Useful Theatre Co. Ltd.
Rental Company - The Moving Light Company
Martin Equipment Employed - 12 MAC 250s, 4 MAC 300s with diffusion lenses, 11 MAC 300s with standard lenses, 1 MAC 500