stage

The biggest music and stage tours of 2019

Posted on by Jonathan Kennedy

2019 has been a bumper year for music and stage tours! With some of the biggest names in music making history, there were plenty of fantastic events for music fans. We’ve taken a look back at 2019’s biggest events, and a look ahead to what 2020 has to offer.

Glastonbury’s 2019 return

One of the UK’s most famous music festivals made a big comeback this year. Glastonbury didn’t actually run in 2018; this is because it was a “fallow year”, to give both the land and the organisers a break. However, it seems that to many music fans, it was definitely worth the wait.

2019 marked the first time a British rapper headlined the festival, with rap sensation Stormzy appearing on the Pyramid Stage. NME spoke about his performance in glowing terms, saying his performance was a “platform to elevate others, a statement of intent and bloody brilliant”.

2019 also saw Kylie Minogue appear at Glastonbury for the first time. The Australian star meant to appear at Glastonbury back in 2005. However, she was forced to cancel her performance due to her breast cancer diagnosis. As such, her appearance this year was highly emotional, and she took the chance to reflect on that time in her life.

Another high point of Glastonbury 2019 was its improved environment record. The festival banned single-use plastic bottles from being sold, while 99.3% of tents made it home!

What we know about Glastonbury 2020

Since 2020 marks Glastonbury’s 50th anniversary, we can expect some major stars to appear. Many of the details are still unknown, but there are rumours that Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar will appear as headline acts. We do know that Paul McCartney will headline the Pyramid Stage on Saturday night, with Diana Ross appearing on Sunday. In any case, this is definitely one music event to keep an eye on.

Northern Ballet’s Victoria

Inspired by the life of our most famous monarch, acclaimed ballet Victoria had its world première this year. It ran for 9 weeks in spring 2019 across the UK, and coincided with the 200th anniversary of the queen’s birth. The ballet also launched at the stately home Harewood House, which appeared in the ITV drama Victoria.

The ballet explores Victoria’s life through the eyes of her daughter Beatrice, who was both tasked with editing Victoria’s diaries and adversely affected by her mother’s wishes. Cathy Marston oversaw choreography, direction and the scenario, while Philip Feeney was responsible for the music.

Publications like the Independent spoke favourably of the ballet, called it “thoughtful, ambitious and vividly danced”. Stagefreight were proud to work on this show; you can read more about our work in our case study on the show.

Ed Sheeran Divide Tour

Halifax lad Ed Sheeran was 2018’s highest grossing artist, selling 4.86 million tickets over the year. His Divide tour—which wrapped up this year—was similarly impressive, with some hugely anticipated gigs amongst them.

Highlights included a two-day appearance at Leeds’ Roundhay Park, which saw 150,000 fans attend. The tour wrapped up at Ipswich, which has been Ed’s home for the last several years. His appearance in Germany also broke a record—it is now the biggest, most attended and highest grossing tour the world has ever seen. We can’t wait to see what he does next.

KISS End of the Road World Tour

American rock sensation KISS has hit seventh place in NME’s top 25 highest-grossing tours of 2019. They’ve also been featured as one of this year’s most anticipated tours by Consequence of Sound. Now the legendary band is (allegedly) bowing out for good with their ambitious End of the Road World Tour.

Running over two continents and 65 dates, KISS’ tour will take to the stage in places like San Diego, Milan and even Manchester. Their final appearance will be at New York City in 2021.

KISS aren’t the only ones to embark on a farewell tour recently. Singing sensation Joan Baez has also embarked on her own farewell tour, which you can read about in our case study.

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Giselle

First performed in 1841, Giselle is one of the world’s most celebrated ballets. It follows a woman called Giselle, who takes her own life when she discovers Loys, her beloved, has lied to her. Later unmasked as Count Albrecht, he must count on Giselle’s love to save him from the wrath of the dead.

Birmingham Royal Ballet have brought a new production of the show to life, while staying true to the spirit of the original. David Bintley and Galina Samsova oversaw the ballet’s production, while Marius Pepita, Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot and David Bintley collaborated on the choreography. The show also featured music by Adolphe Adam, designs by Hayden Griffin and lighting by Mark Jonathan. The result is a show that’s sure to linger in the memories of everyone who saw it!

Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road

Farewell tours seem to be a bit of a running theme this year. Elton John joins the likes of KISS and Joan Baez with his own farewell tour, which is running until 2021.

With a career spanning decades and over half a century on the road Elton John has redefined the cultural landscape, claiming his place as a true global icon. His farewell tour comprises more than 300 shows across five continents, taking in North America, Europe, the Middle East and many other locales.

Elton is also on track to break a record of his own; NME reports he’s responsible for the highest-grossing world tour of 2019. If you’re an Elton fan, this is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss!

Dear Evan Hansen

This multi award-winning musical tells the story of a high school student riddled with anxiety. He finds himself in hot water when a lie he tells about a classmate spirals horribly out of control.

First performed in 2015, Dear Evan Hansen made its West End debut this year. WhatsOnStage praised the show, saying it was “a desperately powerful exploration of a troubled teen sacrificing the truth for a sense of comfort”. If you’d like to see it for yourself, Dear Evan Hansen is running until the end of May 2020.

P!NK Beautiful Trauma Tour

Since appearing in the mid-90s, Pink has gone from strength to strength as an artist. However, her last tour was back in 2013, making any new tour a treat for Pink fans. Her Beautiful Trauma Tour started in 2018, and came to Europe for 27 separate performances.

Pink is this year’s second highest-grossing artist; according to NME, only Elton John has been more successful. Her new tour was so popular that a raft of new dates were added to the schedule.

It also received great reviews; the Guardian’s Sophie Williams said Pink “condenses the energy of an entire tour into a single show that’s a riot of circus athleticism and crowd-pleasing hits.” The Express’ Stefan Kyriazis was similarly impressed, saying “zooming across the entire crowd on high wires at terrifying speed and heights she literally filled the stadium like no-one else AND still sounded incredible”.

Some of 2020’s music and stage tours

It’s safe to say 2019 will be a tough year for music and stage tours to beat. Still, if these early announcements are any indication, 2020 is going to give it a run for its money.

BBC’s The Upstart Crow

Hit Shakespearean sitcom Upstart Crow is appearing onstage for the first time. The TV show first appeared in 2016, and sees a fictionalised Shakespeare (played by Peep Show‘s David Mitchell) prepare to stage Romeo and Juliet for the first time. Its title comes from the works of Robert Greene, a fellow playwright and (resentful) contemporary of Shakespeare.

Now Ben Elton, the original creator, is continuing the story in a new stage production. David Mitchell returns to reprise his role as Shakespeare, as well as Game of Thrones star Gemma Whelan. Sean Foley, two-time Olivier Award winner, will be directing. Fans of the show can see it at London’s Gielgud Theatre; it’s booking until the 25th of April, 2020.

Liam Gallagher’s homecoming show

Oasis star Liam Gallagher has announced a huge homecoming show on Friday the 12th of June, 2020. Taking place in Manchester’s Heaton Park, he’ll be joined by an as-yet unknown host of special guests.

Liam is doing very well for himself; he’s hit No. 1 on the UK album chart with his new solo album Why Me?, and he’s recently completed an 11-date sold out UK tour. The release of tickets for his Heaton Park show led to “Heaton Park” trending on Twitter within the hour.

Adele’s 2020 tour

Rumours about Adele’s 2020 activity are in full swing at the moment. She’s announced a new album that we’re likely to get before Christmas. However, we haven’t received an official release date yet. We’ve also received tour dates for 2020 in the USA, though we’re still waiting on UK and Europe ones.

It’s safe to say we aren’t the only ones wondering what Adele will do next. The star has sold over 60 million albums worldwide, with her second album, 21, the biggest-selling album of the 21st century. As such, a new tour from this singing sensation will be greatly welcomed.

Opera North’s Street Scene

Opera North are kicking off 2020 with a award-winning production called Street Scene. First performed in 1947, it tells the story of a New York family pushed to breaking point by changing times, hope for a better life, and a terrible, destructive secret. Highlights of the soundtrack include ‘Lonely House’ and ‘Moon-Faced, Starry-Eyed’, with the production winning Best Original Score at the original Tony Awards.

Theatre fans can see Street Scene in Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham and Salford Quays. A co-production with Theater Magdeburg, this show is directed by Matthew Eberhardt and choreographed by Gary Clarke. James Holmes is conducting the music, with Howard Hudson and Francis O’Connor handling lighting and set & costume design respectively. Read more about the show at the Opera North website.

Billie Eilish—Where Do We Go

Running between March and July 2020, Billie Eilish’s new music tour runs over 45 shows. Fans in Europe and the UK can see her from July; her UK shows will be the first since her appearances at Glastonbury and the Leeds & Reading Festival.

Europe and UK dates

10 July 2020 Algés, Portugal, NOS Alive (festival)

13 July 2020 Amsterdam, Netherlands, Ziggo Dome

14 July 2020 Berlin, Germany, Mercedes-Benz Arena

15 July 2020 Cologne, Germany, Lanxess Arena

17 July 2020 Milano, Italy, MIND (Area Expo) (festival)

18 July 2020 Paris, France, Lollapalooza (festival)

19 July 2020 Werchter, Belgium, Werchter Boutique (festival)

21 July 2020 Manchester Arena

22 July 2020 Manchester Arena

24 July 2020 Arena Birmingham

26 July 2020 London, The O2

27 July 2020  London, The O2

29 July 2020 London, The O2

30 July 2020 London, The O2

English National Ballet | Derek Dean’s Swan Lake In-The-Round

Running from the 17th to the 28th of June at the Royal Albert Hall, this ambitious production features 120 performers and live music by the English National Ballet Philharmonic. Since its premiere in 1997, over half a million people have enjoyed the show. Will you enjoy it next year?

Derek Deane is the creative talent behind the show’s direction and choreography, the features music by the famous Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Peter Farmer is responsible for the show’s design, and Howard Harrison is behind the lighting. Read more about the show at the official site.

The Curtain Falls

Though 2019 is coming to a close, there’s plenty in store for 2020’s fans of music and stage tours. If you’re an organiser looking for music and concert transportation, why not get in touch with one of the best music transport companies around?

Stagefreight is one event and music transport company that never misses its cue. Our experienced lead driver will oversee all trailer arrivals, and plan cost-effective, fuel-efficient routes to every venue. We can help with lighting choices and build the stage alongside your own team. We can also cater for tours of any size, from the smallest to the largest, and ensure everything arrives when it’s supposed to.

Read more about our live services (including examples of our work with clients) or give us a call on 0113 797 898.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s something about stage transport

Posted on by Sarah Oxley

We’re passionate about all things theatre, music, ballet and event transport. But there’s always something special when it comes to stage transport.

We’re having a closer look at what new team members can expect when completing stage transport services.

We’ll also have a closer look at some of the 2018 stage transport highlights from across genres.

The 101 of stage transport

Step 1: Get the details

A crucial part of stage transport is finding out the full brief. Step one is therefore to always find out what equipment is involved, what size, how to handle the equipment (as you’ll see in the 2018 highlights, there can be some surprises when it comes to stage props) and what the full tour details are.

Step 2: Equipment planning

Once you know what’s on tour, it’s time to finalise which trailer and how many trailers you’ll need. For regular urban destinations, we recommend the Stagefreight urban trailer; it can handle the same amount of equipment, but has a smaller overall size making it ideal for city venues. This step is also where that detail insight will come in handy, as any additions for handling the equipment safely can be factored in.

Stagefreight truck at Lyceum Theatre
ready for our cue

Step 3: Team planning

You’ve got the detail, and you know what’s needed, so now it’s time to assemble your team. They’re not quite the Avengers (though they’re pretty close in our book), but if you need an extra hand the Stagefreight team helps each other out – no matter the challenge or the destination.

Step 4: Route planning

Once the team size is under wraps it’s time to plan the best routes for the tour. Our team is experienced in leading fleets of different sizes and can adapt to a variety of timing requirements.

Step 5: Timing checks

Which brings us to step 5. – never missing a cue. Just like on stage, we plan and manage the stage transport so well that no one ever misses their cue.

The above points are a broad breakdown of what to expect from stage transport jobs. The exciting thing about working in stage transport is that you never know what the next job is going to be.

To give some more context to this, here are some exciting stage highlights from the year that was.

Stage design highlights of 2018

Previous years saw paddling pools used on stage by Beyoncé and Rammstein using a fiery cauldron. And who could forget the Miley Cyrus tongue slide ? (Though many may well be trying to do so).

The world of stage events always has something new to offer, so here’s a collection of stages that wowed and awed the audience in 2018. They also represent an interesting challenge to the stage transport industry.

1.U2 Experience and Innocence Tour

U2 is famous for their imagination when it comes to their tours, and the Experience and Innocence Tour is no exception.

The stage design features a 29-metre long LED video screen, which is double-sided, and the band can actually climb inside it.

The screen is known as the “barricage” and brings the audience even deeper into the experience.

This stage technology is also connected to augmented reality; audience members are actively encouraged to get their mobiles out to view a virtual version of Bono himself emerge during “Love Is All We Have Left”.

2.Eurovision 2018

Florian Wieder, who took inspiration from Portugal’s historic connection with the sea, created the stage design for 2018’s Eurovision. The set represents a wave, as well as the hull of a ship.

While this was a stunning design, the performance by Moldova continues to grab attention due to the intricate choreography and unique use of stage props. It just proves that timing truly is everything.

3.Burberry Catwalk Show

As part of London’s 2018 Fashion Week, United Visual Artists created an archway of light for the Burberry catwalk.

Models walked beneath the prismatic light installation that represented LGBTQ+ communities around the world.

rainbow LED lasers Photo by Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash
rainbow LED lasers

The overall light show also paid homage to creative director Christopher Bailey, who was leaving his role at Burberry after 17 years.

The installation was made of 3,000 rainbow-hued lasers. Now that’s a lot of lasers.

See the laser archway in all it’s colourful glory on Dezeen.com.

4. Drake’s tour

Canadian rapper Drake’s latest tour of 2018 was packed with the latest technology and stage design trends.

The “super democratic” tour had a variety of visual tricks including 200 drones, a LED stage floor that transforms into a scorpion to pay homage to the rapper’s latest album, and a flying Ferrari.

Yellow Ferrari Photo by Dexter Flexter on Unsplash
ready to take off …sort of

An interesting part of this stage design is that it’s based on a basketball court, meaning the audience surrounds the LED floor from all four sides. This also posed a challenge to Drake, as he was completely surrounded by his fans and needed to provide a 360 performance.

To see the exclusive stage images, visit Dezeen.com.

5. Swan Lake Reimagined

It’s been 30 years since Swan Lake was last developed for the stage. The team at the Royal Opera House took on the challenge of reimagining this ballet classic in 2018.

Previously Anthony Dowell’s production was the staple for Tschaikovsky’s Swan Lake, but choreographer, Liam Scarlett, and designer, John MacFarlane, took on the challenge of a new interpretation in 2018.

Part of the reimagining was to create an entire new Act IV and to interpret the ending into a more bittersweet version as envisioned by Scarlett.

The costume choices –classic tutus over the previously used long skirted dresses- were a homage to the classic ballet origin associated with Swan Lake and weren’t the only considerations setting the scene for the return of Swan Lake.

The set design was created to ensure the mood of the ballet came across with particular focus being put into the landscape background.

In June 2018, the production was even broadcast live across the world via BP Big Screens.

Here’s a look at how the design was achieved:

The reviews of the production included praise for the tutu choice and overall costume-designs, the use of dry ice for the lake scene and the first-rate performances by the dancers.

We firmly believe that there’s something truly magical about the stage and stage transport. There may well be something about Mary, but there’s certainly something about stage transport in our books.

Why not have a closer look at some of our previous transport work in our case studies?

Or if you’ve got a show to put on the road, contact our team on 013 238 0805 to arrange your stage transport today.

What Makes Yorkshire the King of Entertainment

Posted on by Jonathan Kennedy

Yorkshire is more than rolling fields, roast beef and flat caps. Take it from an expert in event transport; it’s a hotbed of culture that’s produced and inspired some of the UK’s best plays, films and live events.

That’s why in honour of Yorkshire Day, we’ve put together this list of Yorkshire’s best entertainment. Whether you’re into theatre, music events or other entertainment, it’s waiting for you in God’s own country!

The History Boys

The History Boys was written by Alan Bennett, best known for works like Talking Heads and The Lady in the Van. It first appeared at London’s Royal National Theatre back in 2004. It’s also been performed on Bennett’s home turf in venues like the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

The play follows eight Sheffield schoolboys who are attempting to gain entry to Oxford and Cambridge. However, they must do so amidst a clash of teaching styles, sexual tension and dubious student-teacher relationships. The original performance featured top actors like James Corden, Richard Griffiths, Frances de la Tour, Dominic Cooper and Russell Tovey.

A film adaptation of the play was released two years later, and featured the original stage cast. Both versions got a positive reception; the original production received the Laurence Olivier Award, while the original Broadway production won six Tony Awards and five Drama Desk Awards. The film was also nominated for several awards, including the BAFTAs for Best Actor and Supporting Actress.

The Railway Children

Edith Nesbit’s story–first published in 1906–is a fixture of English children’s literature. It follows three children who must move to Yorkshire after the wrongful imprisonment of their father. With the aid of an elderly gentleman who takes the train near their home, they are able to prove their father’s innocence.

The original story has seen several adaptations, but the 1970 film is probably the most famous. Starring Bernard Cribbins, it was filmed on location at the Keighley and Worth Valley heritage railway. The original story has also been adapted for the theatre, and performed around the world.

The first stage performance took place in Kent in 2005, with a new version appearing at York’s National Railway Museum three years later. One of its more lavish productions–at King’s Cross Theatre in London–featured a purpose-built venue and a real steam engine as part of the set. With further performances in Denmark and Toronto, this is one Yorkshire story that has earned global appeal!

Calendar Girls

Back in 1998, Yorkshire woman Angela Baker lost her husband John to blood cancer. To honour his memory, Angela decided to raise money for a sofa in John’s hospital.

But rather than arranging a bake sale or running a marathon, Angela and her friends took a different approach–producing and starring in a nude calendar. The calendar exploded in popularity, selling more than 200,000 copies. The group’s efforts went on to raise more than £3 million for the charity Bloodwise, which funds research and raises awareness of blood cancer.

Angela’s story inspired a film starring Helen Mirren, Julie Walters and Celia Imrie, as well as a stage production and a musical. Tim Firth and Gary Barlow wrote the musical together, before it premiered in Leeds in 2015.

The musical has received rave reviews since its launch; The Guardian‘s Michael Billington said that “rather than seem like a piece of cynical exploitation, the show suggests the story has now achieved its ideal form.” The Independent‘s Paul Taylor said it was “a fresh and joyous attempt to reinvent the material”, while London Theatre‘s Mark Shenton praised the show’s “completely confident and warming display of real, open-hearted camaraderie”.

The Great Yorkshire Show

This major event is a celebration of Yorkshire’s farming, food and countryside. It sees more than 130,000 visitors (and 8,500 animals) coming together for a three-day programme of food, farming, and everything else!

This year’s show hosted many different animal events, including several equestrian classes and judging for cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. It also had a wide range of other attractions including an art show, a fashion show and demonstrations from Yorkshire chefs. Attendees feeling competitive could even compete in horse shoeing, sheep shearing and wrought ironwork! Whatever your interests, the Great Yorkshire Show has something to whet every appetite.

Next year’s Great Yorkshire Show takes place from Tuesday the 9th to Thursday the 11th of July. Visit the official website for more information.

Deer Shed Festival

guitar in field

This North Yorkshire event pitches itself as the UK’s ultimate family friendly festival. 2018’s festival boasted an eclectic lineup of musicians including Goldfrapp, Public Service Broadcasting and Nadine Shah. But music isn’t the only thing going on; there’s plenty of other activities for everyone to enjoy.

Besides the obvious alternatives (like comedy and spoken word events) there’s plenty of child-friendly activities too. This year the likes of Northern Ballet, Leeds City College and recycling charity WasteAid all hosted workshops. Attendees who were feeling a little more creative could enjoy more unusual activities like acrylic marbling, lino printing and a ukulele jam!

Of course camping is a rich festival tradition, and Deer Shed offered several ‘glamping’ options. Choose from affordable options by Tangerine Fields, vintage tents from the 1970s or a spot of luxury in a tipi or yurt!

2018’s festival is finished now, but you can learn more about 2019’s event at the official website.

The Gilbert and Sullivan Festival

William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan were the Victorian era’s most famous opera-writing team. The London duo brought us comic operas like H.M.S. Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance. Now their work has found a new home in Harrogate’s Royal Hall.

The Gilbert and Sullivan Festival ran for 20 years in the Peak District before arriving at its current North Yorkshire home. It’s a great chance to see many of the pair’s operas for yourself. Enjoy famous shows like The Mikado, or sample lesser-known works such as Haddon Hall.

However, visitors won’t just be enjoying the operas themselves; the festival is running a series of talks on secondary topics too. They’ll get the chance to learn about Victorian theatres, costumes, choreography and the place Gilbert and Sullivan have in today’s theatre scene.

Whether you’re an old fan or a new initiate, the festival is the perfect chance to see these stalwarts of British theatre! 2018’s festival runs from Wednesday the 8th to Monday the 27th of August; visit the official website for more information.

The Great Yorkshire Fringe 

cow licking nose

The Great Yorkshire Fringe is an annual festival that offers a wide selection of comedy, variety and family entertainment across the city of York. Its third year has just finished but the reception of the Fringe was huge, with many realizing that the Great Yorkshire Fringe will be giving the famous Edinburgh Fringe a run for its money soon. 

The comedic acts of the 2018 fringe included comedy legend Michael Legend in conversation with Robert Ross. There was also a highly popular improvised parody that was ideal for Doctor Who fans of all ages called “Any suggestions, Doctor?”. 

But The Great Yorkshire Fringe isn’t just a laughing matter. This year’s event also featured two theatre productions by Squabbling House Theatre (Blink by Phil Porter and Scratch), as well as Deborah Kelly performing one of Allen Bennett’s Talking Heads monologues – “A Lady of Letters”. 

As you can see Yorkshire has plenty to offer, whether your tastes run to food, film, theatre or live shows.

The county is great at putting on a show, and that’s why we believe it deserves to be known as the king of entertainment. 

If you’d like to host an equally epic event and venture outside of Yorkshire with it, you’re in luck!

At Stagefreight event transport for theatre productions, music events and outdoor festivals is exactly what we do and we make a proper job of it all, too.

If you’re looking to put on a theatre production we can cater for shows of all shapes and sizes, from a single van to 28-trailer behemoths. Our experience with Opera North and the English National Ballet has given us the know-how to deliver a flawless operation, every single time.

If you’re running a live event, we know how important it is that things arrive on schedule. Our lead driver personally oversees the trailer arrival, so everything is on time. Our drivers can also support you with lighting choices, help build the stage with your team, and plan the most efficient route to the event, saving you time and money in the process.

Visit our Contact Us page to get in touch, and let us help make your next event a masterpiece!

Weird and Wonderful Stage Designs

Posted on by Jonathan Kennedy

Some time ago we talked about the best local pantomimes in the UK for 2017. One of the highlights was the Birmingham performance of Peter Pan, starring Coronation Street actor and game show host Bradley Walsh. This show had everything; three stages, a 60 foot wide screen, a 10,000 gallon water wall and a giant animatronic crocodile.

That led us to wonder what other stage designs raised the bar in terms of scale and imagination. That’s why we’ve gathered together some of the most daring stage designs theatre and music has to offer.

An Inspector Calls

transport for events dolls house
Tristram Kenton for the Guardian

Written by Bradford playwright J.B. Priestley, An Inspector Calls was first performed in 1945. The story of a police inspector investigating the death of a young woman has seen several performances since then, as well as some truly inventive set design.

Many contemporary performances of the play use a distinctive ‘doll’s house’ set. The first version of this appeared in 1992; it appears as a small house with skewed inner proportions and walls that swing outwards. At the end of the play the whole house actually collapses, symbolising the utter ruin of the family’s cosy, untroubled way of life.

The U2 Zoo TV Tour

In 2017, Irish rock band U2 faded into the pop culture background a little. But that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to put on a show!

One of their most influential ones was the Zoo TV Tour, which ran over 1992 and 1993. It toured in America, Europe and Australia, and laid the ground- if Rolling Stone is to be believed- for the likes of Kanye West and Lady Gaga after them.

The stage design for the Zoo TV Tour presented some interesting challenges when it came to the transport for the events. It featured a series of giant video screens; these were designed to reflect a 90s media landscape of numbing, incessant visual exposure, mixing war footage with old sitcoms and even cooking shows. Parts of the stage were so tall they required their own warning lights, and the American leg of the tour required 52 trucks just to transport the equipment.

The Wall Live 2010

Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters struck out on his own during this four-year music tour. Featuring a strong anti-war message, the tour travelled through Canada, North America, Europe and Australia before finishing in São Paolo.

Like U2, Waters’ show features a giant video screen; his screen, however, is over 500 feet long and over 80 feet high. The stage also features giant puppets, an inflatable pig (sacrificed at each show) and a colossal wall, built from 1000 cardboard bricks before the start of each performance. Separating the artists from the audience, the eponymous wall is meant to make a powerful statement about the divisions in modern society.

Sucker Punch

Written by Roy Williams and first performed in 2010, Sucker Punch is a play about racism and tough choices in the 1980s. The play went on to win both the Olivier Award and the Alfred Fagon award. However, its greatest achievement might be its set, which puts a boxing ring onto a theatre stage.

That alone would certainly elevate the play in terms of stage design, but the performance went a step further by surrounding it with other details. With punch bags, sponsors’ ads and even old fight posters festooning the walls, this was a performance that did everything it could to immerse its audience in its era.

Lady Gaga’s Joanne World Tour

If anyone is capable of putting on a show, Lady Gaga certainly is. The stage for her Joanne World Tour (launched and named after her fifth studio album) certainly lives up to that reputation for elaborate, exciting sets.

The stage for the tour actually consists of four separate stages, connected by three ‘flying bridge platforms’, which can also act as projection displays. The main stage uses a series of lifts that allow it to transform into several different configurations. According to Tait, who manufactured the stage, it is the most complex set that Lady Gaga has ever used.

As you can see, live performances offer fertile ground for eccentric, creative performances. But there’s a serious logistical element to these shows as well and that’s where we come in.

We at Stagefreight have plenty of experience in stage transportation. Whether it’s for theatre or music events, we have the experience and know-how to work out the most practical transport solution for your stage design.

Our drivers are responsible for getting your trailers to the right place at the right time, and will make sure you show goes off without a hitch. We can even offer onsite support with lighting choices, and help you put the stage together once all the components have arrived.

For more details, give us a call now on 0113 797 898.