When the Bolton Octagon theatre were looking to add the wow factor to the final two productions of the 2011-2012 season, Head of Production, Oliver Seviour, turned to local turntable manufacturer, Movetech UK to come up with a revolving stage that would complement both the productions’ aims and the theatre environment.
Not only have the productions, ‘The Queen of the North’ and ‘The Rise and Fall of Little Voice‘ been extremely well received; the set design and, in particular, the revolving set, has had its own rave reviews. ‘Little Voice’ has been so well received, in fact, that its run was extended by a week to accommodate the high demand for tickets.
Of ‘The Queen of the North’, a dramatisation of the life of Coronation Street actress, Pat Phoenix, The Coronation Street blog declared that the set was “interesting in all its dual-levelled revolving glory”, while in local playwright, Jim Cartwright’s ‘Little Voice’, it has been claimed that the “…. revolving set … is used brilliantly in the second act”, where it is used to switch between LV’s home and the sleazy night club she performs in.
Elizabeth Newman, Associate Director at the Octagon and Director of both ‘The Queen of the North’ and ‘The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’ commented: “Being able to include a revolving stage in two of our main auditorium productions this season has been fantastic. Without the generous support of Movetech UK and the sheer quality of their product we would not have been able to produce such an ambitious vision for either of the two plays.
“The Movetech UK revolve has created the most amazing dynamic for the mis-en-scène. It has immediately enhanced the quality of our stage design and the performance in general. Moreover being able to use a revolve at the Octagon has given something extraordinary to our audiences’ theatre experience. As a director it also allows a sense of freedom and the opportunity to work with the Company in a different way.”
Tim Entwistle, Managing Director of Movetech UK, says: “We feel privileged to have been asked by our local award-winning theatre to supply the revolving stage, particularly as both productions have such a strong local connection.
“Although we were on standby to provide technical support during the rental period I’m pleased to say the revolve worked perfectly throughout both runs. Movetech UK revolves usually do!”
The 5 metre diameter revolving stage installed by Movetech UK is from an extensive range of units from 1 to 33 metres in diameter, all available to rent or buy, with or without full on site installation and support services. DMX control interface is available, and Movetech UK also offer annular rings and scissor lifts to provide optimum flexibility.
Quality and reliability are built in to both the equipment and service provided.
Video: Octagon Theatre, Bolton – Featuring a Movetech UK revolving stage
Photos by Ian Tilton, www.iantilton.net/theatre