UK - The Regent Centre is a 505-seat cinema and theatre that sits in the heart of Christchurch, Dorset. Having first opened its doors back in 1931, it still thrives today as a non-profit, multi-purpose venue with live music, comedy and community performance shows which help bring in over 100,000 visitors every year.
Following a mechanical inspection, it was decided that the venue required both a replacement of its auditorium chain hoist system as well as a new wing-masking system with curtain tracks and drapes – with all of this work being carried out by Solutions On Stage.
Solutions On Stage were first contacted by the Regent Centre’s technical manager Scott Gurd, who comments: “I was on the lookout for a new technical inspection company as I wanted to ensure that our performance space was as safe and technically efficient as possible. Solutions On Stage were recommended by my previous employer and so I reached out to them to conduct an initial site visit. My main concern was with the chain hoists within our venue as I was worried they didn’t meet current industry standards.”
Solutions On Stage’s technical director Darren Williams comments: “From just an initial inspection, we could confirm that the chain hoists which suspended the front-of-house truss needed replacing. We also inspected the venue’s other technical aspects and, as a company that wants to support the life cycle of the spaces we work in, suggested they install a track to then rig the moveable masking within their wings. For the Regent’s convenience, we could also facilitate this alongside their chain hoist installation.”
Solutions On Stage supplied and installed a complete replacement chain hoist lifting system for the venue’s auditorium lighting bridge, incorporating new equipment, and the required electrical infrastructure. This comprised of two GIS LP500 D8+ chain hoists and a wall-mounted Guardian Controller with a two-channel low voltage control system, complete with a remote handset for control. Following the installation of the replacement hoists, the bridge was then re-flown, and Solutions On Stage commissioned the entire installation as well as performed electrical tests, load testing and certifying accordingly.
Alongside this, the company supplied and installed a wing track masking system comprising curtain tracks and drapes. This included two 4m lengths of Curtain Track, each fitted with three swivel arms that can also be run along the track and braked in order to create different masking options. Each swivel arm was fitted with a 2m x 6m drop black wool serge drape. In addition, 11 fly bars were cut down in length in order to provide clearance for the new tracks. As with the chain hoist system, Solutions On Stage commissioned the entire install, offered certification as well as training for the in-house team on how to use the equipment.
Scott comments: “The works that have been carried out by Solutions On Stage have led both myself and the general manager to fully trust in the safety of our mechanical systems and know everything has been carried out to the very highest of standards. The wing masking has added an extra two metres of useable stage width, which has proven to be hugely beneficial for our live shows.”
Darren adds: “We were delighted to assist The Regent Centre with their remedial works and technical upgrades. Whenever we work in a venue, we want to ensure the entire space is not only safety compliant, but that the technical set-up allows it to achieve its full potential. We look forward to returning to The Regent Centre to carry out their annual mechanical inspection and continuing our relationship with them.”