News: Solutions On Stage is Flying High at Frome Memorial Theatre

Having originally opened in 1925 as a memorial hall for those who fell during World War One, Frome Memorial Theatre is now a staple of the Somerset town. Run by over 100 volunteers, the venue features a 539 seat traditional theatre and hosts a variety of performances for all ages, including the much anticipated annual pantomime. Following on-going inspections, it was concluded that it was time for the theatre to upgrade its raise-and-lower flying installation – and they approached Solutions On Stage to do just this.

Overseeing the project was Solution On Stage’s Technical Director Darren Williams who has worked with the venue for many years. He explains: “Given we’re based quite local to Frome, I’ve been tasked with inspecting their raise-and-lower flying installation for well over a decade. Like most of the equipment within the venue, it’s been installed in various stages over the years by a dedicated group of volunteers. That said, following the latest inspection we carried out, it became apparent that we needed to upgrade the existing installation so that it legally met the demands of modern theatre equipment and show designs; as well as offer more options for the productions visiting the venue. This largely involved stripping back the number of installed Hemp Sets to better layout the overstage bars. We also had to ensure we improved the overall compliance with current standards”.

Following this, Darren worked closely with the theatre’s technical team to specify and design a new flying installation. He comments: “One of the biggest factors was ensuring what we designed gave the flexibility required for the venue’s diverse programme of events. We also had to consider the layout of the bars (both raise-and-lower and static), the required safe working loads and the re-working of some of the existing equipment that was to be retained and simultaneously improved. In addition, alterations to the electrical installation and the provision of a new lighting bar increased the ease with which shows could be rigged and plugged-up”.

To provide the theatre with the exact installation it required, Darren called upon the team at Doughty Engineering, whose hardware he has worked with for over 25 years. He specified a range of off-the-shelf products that included both standard and heavy-duty pulley blocks, beam clamps, tie-off cleats, hanging clamps, bar joiners and pipe-to-pipe couplers. Darren explains: “Working with Doughty and being able to specify and order the range of products required from one manufacturer was a huge help; making planning, conversations and ordering so much easier. Laurence Dyer, Doughty’s Sales Manager, was on hand to double check the specification list, sense-check the equipment and ensure the pallets were delivered on the exact day as promised. This ensured the installation went smoothly and most importantly, the venue now has the installation they wanted, delivered on time.” 

The new flying installation is now in place and is being utilised on the theatre’s many shows, including the recent Sleeping Beauty pantomime. Similarly, the venue as a whole is now fully compliant and matching the current technical safety standards.

Will Davis, Frome Memorial Theatre’s Stage & Site Manager, comments: “Darren and the team's knowledge made the process a pleasure from start to finish. Since completion of the install, we, at the venue, have been able to offer our hirers access to a highly capable and flexible rig, and, in turn, futureproof the theatre for many years to come”. 

Darren concludes: “The venue is extremely happy with the completed installation and now have a fully compliant set-up that has been designed to better suit the variety of events that are staged there and will also make future thorough examinations considerably easier. It’s fantastic, as a company, that we are able to have long-term relationships with theatres such as Frome Memorial who are able to come to us continuously in order to fulfil their ever-growing technical needs”.

Photos courtesy of Frome Memorial Theatre.