The Stage

Ad libbing

Published Monday 22 June 2009 at 10:55

ADLIB Audio and Lighting have completed the latest John Barrowman tour, working closely with FOH engineer Walter Jaquiss and lighting designer Neil Trenell, the UK tour being preceded by two days rehearsals at Shepperton Studios. The standard 12 VerTec 4889 a side (left and right) system utilised on the tour was doubled up for the arena shows at Cardiff International Centre and for London’s Royal Albert Hall. They also used 12 VerTec subs, the system configuration being varied slightly according to the different venues, and optimised each day by ADLIB systems technician, Richie Nicholson. They used two Soundcraft Vi6 consoles, which Jaquiss filled with around 80 inputs, 56 of which were stage alone - including guest vocals and assorted media - substantial for what was essentially a ‘theatre’ tour. Jaquiss’ biggest challenge with Barrowman’s sound, states ADLIB, was mixing a show that veers from very loud to exceptionally quiet, maintaining the level control during the more delicate moments and essentially controlling the many contrasts. On lighting, it was LD Neil Trenell’s second tour with Barrowman, ADLIB Lighting also supplying the last one. Dave Hill was also involved from the start as overall show designer, Trenell working with him during pre-production, where they started programming the show using MA Lighting’s new MA3D visualiser. www.adlibaudio.co.uk