As part of a £214 million modernisation programme, a project was undertaken to transform the way in which backdrop scenery, stage lighting and auditorium access was managed at The Royal Opera House.
To solve this challenge, SCX Special Projects designed a unique travelling gantry, which was installed in the late 1990s during a substantial restoration of the 19th century building.
As part of a £214 million, three-year restoration of the Royal Opera House in London, an overhead gantry was required to handle scenery, position lighting and provide service access to the auditorium.
Prior to the refurbishment, stage scenery work was undertaken by a large group of people in cramped and cluttered conditions. A full rethink and redesign of the stage management system promised to improve safety, efficiency and flexibility.
SCX Special Projects designed, built and installed a bespoke stage management gantry, spanning the 28-metre auditorium and weighing 36 tonnes.
The gantry has some very innovative features, including: chain hoists beneath the bridge to lift heavy cloth backdrops and scenery; an articulated mobile access platform to reach all parts of the stage; and a large work area hidden within the bridge beams for the stage technicians.
