Theatre

We were pleased to be given the opportunity to provide lighting on the new musical, The Cereal Cafe. Working closely with Lighting Designer, Michael Fox, we supplied a complete lighting package utilising some of the latest Robe and ChromaQ equipment from our expansive inventory. Including the Robe MegaPointe and Robe 150 LED Beam along with ChromaQ ColorForce MKII.

When asked about his choice of fixtures for the show LD Michael Fox says, “The MegaPointe’s were a must have for this show. Their ‘Mega’ output and ability to create sharp parallel beams was a great advantage, particularly for the riot scene. They pack a huge amount of features which makes this fixture invaluable for rigs of any size. There is, in short no other unit available that offers everything the MegaPointe does in one fixture. The 150 Beam’s were another fixture I was keen to use for the production. Their compact size, super bright output and wide zoom range were all reasons why this fixture was perfect for the show.

Part of the set was a concrete block style wall which was full of features that I really wanted to be able to show off. So I specified ChromaQ’s ColorForce MK2’s for the ground row. I knew they would be up to the job and I wasn’t disappointed.”

The show is based on an extraordinary café opening on the vibrant streets of East London. Centred on the childhood dreams of two young brothers, where its presence will result in unimaginable consequences. In a threatened neighbourhood, fighting to survive, something so simple as cereal will divide the community. Inspired by the Cereal Killer Café and the Shoreditch riots of 2015, this musical is based on a remarkable true story.

Michael goes on to say, “I knew when I was approached to design this show that Storm were the rental company to go to. The quality of their equipment, prep and support is second to none. I had complete confidence in their equipment. Combined with Robe and ChromaQ’s excellent record for reliability, it certainly was the perfect match!”

Storm’s Rental Manager, James comments: “It certainly was a pleasure to work on this new exciting musical with Michael. His creative lighting design and full use of every fixture in the rig made for some really powerful & special moments. With our continued investment into new equipment, for instance, most recently ChromaQ ColorForce MKII’s and expansion of our Robe stock. It therefore allows us to consistently provide the latest fixtures to meet the needs of Lighting Designers.”

Book and Lyrics by: JACOB DORRELL & TOM LING
Music By: ADAM DICKINSON

Listen to ‘London is Falling’ from Cereal Cafe

Storm are pleased to have provided the lighting control system for Guildford School of Acting’s production of Cats. The production was performed at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. The show was driven by one of Storm’s grandMA2 Light consoles. Giving true flexibility and control for the shows lighting rig. Lighting was designed by James Smith. Programmed by 3rd Year student Michael Fox and 2nd Year Chris Pearson. With 3rd Year student Piers Illing as the show’s Production Electrician.

Storm’s Rental Manager, James says “Having a great relationship with GSA gives us great opportunities to work with the lighting students across a number of the school’s productions throughout the year. The 3rd Year / BA Musical Theatre production at the Yvonne Arnaud is a significant date in GSA’s calendar. Students are given the opportunity to work on a large scale production outside of the school’s performance spaces.”

Storm is constantly investing in the latest technology from leading manufacturers including MA Lighting, Robe, ETC and Avolites. To continue to service the Theatre, Corporate, Music, Film & TV and Dry Hire Rental markets. Recent notable investment includes new fixtures from Robe and both consoles and fixtures from ETC.

James adds “We always want to be able to give students access to the latest technology to help develop both skills and knowledge to prepare them to enter the entertainment industry. Our continued investment in new equipment and technology really gives us the ability to invest in the production students at GSA. It has been great working with the students on Cats. Seeing the results of the hard work and determination by the production team has been really exciting. We’re looking forward to working with Piers, Chris and Michael going forward into their next productions.”

A fantastical tribe of feline friends gather for a night of midsummer madness featuring Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most memorable score.

About the Show

Since its first London production in 1981 Cats has conquered the world. Delighting audiences in more than 300 cities in 20 languages. It won Seven Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, two Grammy Awards, three Drama Desk Awards and ran for 21 years in the West End before triumphantly returning in 2014.

Featuring Gillian Lynne’s remarkable original choreography. GSA’s graduating musical theatre students performed this magical hit to full houses every performance giving audiences a memory to treasure forever!

Eugenius! – the most hotly anticipated new musical you’ve never seen has kicked off a strictly limited run at The Other Palace in Victoria, London.

There’s been plenty of underground word-of-mouth, and one off ‘concert’ performance – a sold-out, queues-round-the-block, one-nighter at the London Palladium. The show was lit by Andrew Ellis with Storm supplying the lighting equipment.

Written by Ben Adams and Chris Wilkins. This new coming-of-age musical follows sci-fi and fantasy enthusiast Eugene as he tries to create his own comic book movie. Eugene draws comic book stories in between being bullied at school and coping with a disappointing family life.

Eugene is a geek who spends his time creating a comic strip for an original superhero. Tough Man – catchphrase, “He’s tough but fair/And he has perfect hair!”. This muscle-bound prodigy travels through the universe with his sidekick, Super Hot Lady. However, there is one chink in his armour.

His powers are weakened if he touches a woman. However after winning a competition, he leaves all that behind and soon finds himself in Hollywood. Writing a movie based on his ‘Tough Man’ and ‘Super Hot Lady’ characters.

However, little does he know, his comic book villain actually exists. Evil Lord Hector turns up on set ready to kill Tough Man. Will Eugene be able to step into his hero’s shoes and save the world?

Thankfully Eugene manages to overcome his fears and reclaim his story. Discovering the true origins of his beloved Tough Man along the way. Superbly enhanced by Andrew’s creative lighting design. Featuring both bright & bold colours of Hollywood. As well as some truly special moments between Eugene and Janey. Likewise, ensuring Ferris wasn’t forgotten about throughout the show which was beautifully lit. It certainly made the show a joy to watch and made sure you were engaged at all times.

Storm’s Rental Manager, James comments: “We were really pleased to supply the equipment for this brilliant production of Eugenius. It was great to work with Andrew. Providing everything needed to do the brilliant work on the production. We aim to continue to build close relationships with lighting designers. Therefore it is key to supporting them with any projects they have whilst delivering our high quality of service.”

#GoEugenius

Storm were pleased to supply the Video system for The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin at Stratford East. With panels built into the set in three different configurations, which you can see from the photos below. It was an opportunity to demonstrate the flexibility of our video wall. Driven from Catalyst and controlled from an ETC Gio the integration was seamless.

About The Show

What black child hasn’t woken up one day to realise they won’t ever be the blond eyed princess or prince? In a world where black is always trouble –  that smiling and fitting in costs – so you become a chameleon – changing who you are to fit others!

Meet Viveca – a young African American girl who dreams of becoming a dancer. We follow her journey from school in 1960s LA through to auditions on Broadway. Growing up during the civil rights movement. Viveca chooses to face the realities of racism and sexism with optimism and faith and discovers her own self-worth. This cheeky and satirical coming-of-age story looks at how women have been defined by others and themselves from the 1960s to present day. With an original score fusing Motown, pop and R&B – think Sondheim meets Beyoncé!

Videos

Storm have provided lighting, power and rigging for the Splash hit musical, Singin’ In the Rain at Stevenage’s Gordon Craig Theatre. Supplying fixtures from our wide range of rental stock. Which included, Robe Robin Pointe‘s, Martin MAC 700 Profiles & Washes, Lanta Aurora LED Battens & Look Solutions Unique Hazer‘s. Controlled by one of our High End Systems Road Hog4‘s. We also supplied additional rigging for the production. Including, Lodestar 500kg Hoists as well as our Slick Mini-Beam truss.