Another Busy Week!!
This week, January work really ramped up – previous projects from last week continue, and we transition from festive projects to new exciting upcoming productions. Here’s a glimpse at what our stage technicians got up to in the past week:
We started off this week at the familiar setting of The ABBA Arena, with up to 14 of our team each day, helping the Arena staff & Solotech Group to replace the old in-house sound installation and be on hand for other yearly maintenance tasks.
The requirements from both clients were varied for this one – technical crew with electrical skills, plus scenery loaders and truck drivers were required for this work, scheduled to last the best part of two weeks. Proactivity from the crew set the tone for the rest of the work here this week and the teams managed to get so far ahead that the client could scrap the schedule and earn a well deserved Saturday night off – nice!
Meanwhile, at Wyndhams Theatre in the west end, the London Pirates assisted for four days with a fit-up for the production of new horror comedy “Inside No9 Stage/Fright”. The client had a few unexpected issues this week, with the set not quite ready on time. We and the onsite Pirate Crew team were more than happy to be flexible with work times to make life easier for this long standing customer. The crew worked as hard and happy as always, and gave a valued contribution to getting this show up on time.
Monday also saw the start of the five day get out of the Lehman Trilogy at Gillian Lynne Theatre. This can sometimes be a tricky venue to work in, with physical space challenges, a loading goods lift and also logistic curfews – meaning the Pirates always need to bring their “A” game. Thankfully, our team ensured all work was done to meet the schedule and received very positive feedback for our services. Later in the week, our talented scenery loading crews helped unload these trailers safely into storage, topping off the great work done with an early finish!
Our efforts at Gillian Lynne Theatre doesn’t stop here, as we look towards the fit-up for upcoming show, RSC’s My Neighbour Totoro, which is currently sitting in rehearsals at 3 Mills Studio
Shaking off the festive glitter!
As the festive season nears completion, our stage technicians completed the final Christmas get-outs. At Charing Cross Theatre, a team of eight Pirates disassembled scenery and assisted all departments with the de-rig for the adult panto from the He’s Behind You team. Ensuring safety is paramount at small venues like this, where space to operate is always at a premium. Luckily, we were ahead of the game and sent some of our most experienced and positive people to get the job done.
At Southwark Playhouse, we supplied a harness crew trained in Work at Height procedures, to assist with the lighting load out of A Very Naughty Christmas.
At the American International Church at Tottenham Court Road, with rehearsals wrapping up for the Calamity Jane UK Tour, we sent a team of stage technicians to dismantle steel decks and load out props and mirrors. The job was pretty straightforward with all of the crew focused and working together.
Over at Pleasance Theatre, a hardworking group of multi-skilled technicians assisted in taking down a temporary structure made with ModTruss. Despite the (VERY) chilly conditions, their work was so exceptional that the lovely Pleasance Team + Pirates combo managed to shave off 2 days from a 4 day get out plan! The client was obviously most pleased with the work and the outcome.
Meanwhile…
Our MK Team also had a busy week, helping out at Warner Bros. Studio Tour. We sent stage techs, scenery loading crew and a qualified forks driver across the week for lots of heavy lifting and logistics.
And then, at the New Theatre in Oxford, we supplied the outdoor loading crew for Any Dream Will Do UK Tour get out. Oxford will always be a most challenging theatre venue, especially in the freezing cold and when the client needs to organise a re-pack of the trailers! But the boys and girls from our Bristol team did an amazing job – receiving excellent reviews from the Crew Chief for consistently going the extra mile.
Across the week we also had a couple of engagements with NT Live, who have been using our technical crew services for the past 10 years to help deliver theatre to cinemas across the UK. Our work with them often requires a quick turnaround with setting up and loading in equipment, and the teams delivered this with ease.
Overall, another busy but productive and enjoyable week for the pirates, a lot of work to be proud of and some challenges overcome!
Why Choose Pirate for your Event Production Crew?
This week was a testament to the skill and adaptability of Pirate Crew. Whether it’s managing complex theatre transitions or supporting unique immersive events, our team brings professionalism and expertise to every project. It’s no wonder we’re a trusted provider of event production crew services for venues across the UK.
Looking for skilled and reliable crew for your next event? Contact Pirate Crew today to see how we can help bring your project to life.
