We were asked by Adam Blackwood, at Private Drama, to design the evening, set and dressing, around his vision for Mace’s Guinness World Record Attempt and Celebration. 25 Aerialists performed a routine in synch, gaining their place in the record books, as the largest choreographed performance of its type to date.
We provided set, staging, prop and costume design for a rolling program of creative shows and talks at the 02 in London, lasting a week. Attended by more than 180,000 members of the Salvation Army, this was a truly human and joyous event to be involved in. Alongside this design, we designed the outside exhibition areas, including a walk through journey depicting early times in the formation of the Salvation Army. Graphic design, entrance, sculpture, exhibition design, wayfinding, set, props, curation and learning zones, as well as a 30m long tent and printed wall, where break out lectures and presentations took place.
Production design, staging, set, props and overall theatre structure housing and layout design for Stufish Entertainment Architects. Ala designed and managed the set for this creative show, and the assembly of the theatre from two rental structures alongside legendary Production Manager and Producer Robbie Williams (the original!) Launched by Princes Charles, and Camilla (then Parker-Bowles), the ship was visible and lit through the rear wall of the theatre, built alongside it. Derek Jacobi, the London Philharmonic, Alfie Boe, Michael Ball and Katherine Jenkins performed during the show.
We provided graphics, staging, set, props, costumes and workshop designs for this youth film festival. We then travelled on site and ran and managed the props and costumes into rehearsal and for the shows. Lasting a week in Doha, and run by the Doha Film Institute, this was a magical time, creating a show and festival content for Unspun Producers from the UK. New Substance delivered the vision of flying performers from a crane above the stage, and dropping LED sycamore style printed leaves on the royal audience.
Our Principal, Ala, was Design Studio Manager, and later Head of Design for the Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies in London, and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the Paralympics. This involved running a studio to develop and deliver designs with the Technical Department for tender and delivery with a whole host of industry suppliers around the UK and Europe. From 2011-2012, working directly with Directors Danny Boyle, Kim Gavin, Jenny Sealey and Bradley Hemmings. An experience which broadened knowledge and experience for all involved, as if 100 stage shows had been delivered at once, never to be forgotten.
Featuring Darcy Bussell and Trevor McDonald, with choreography by Kim Gavin, this launch party, bottle smash and inaugural celebration took place on the top deck of the new ship for P&O. Stages were built over swimming pools, to create raised platforms with audience in amongst the shows. Followed next season by a launch of Ventura, with Helen Mirren, then Adonia next year with Hugh Bonneville and Shirley Bassey. These three events, again for Mark Fisher OBE MVO RDI, were a new step in presenting creative shows with a storyline at this type of event.
