The Talk Of The Town - Opening Programme

Men and Machines Continued

In addition to these two panels there is a third panel which is situated alongside the lighting console. This panel is for the control of the sound system picked up through 15 microphones giving a cover all round the acting area of the stage and the apron stage. On this panel the operator controls the volume of the sound passed to 34 speakers in the auditorium to ensure smooth coverage of sound throughout the restaurant side of the building. This operator also controls the motors which adjust the levels of the microphones as they drop in to pre-selected heights to ensure smooth pick-up of the sound.

In the void underneath the stage, an area of some 10,000 square feet, an area large enough to accommodate a small factory, are situated the lifts and the scenery docks where are stored various effects which from time to time are brought to stage level. The main stage, with the built in revolving stage, which is situated under the apron stage, sinks to a depth of 25 feet, and is capable of staying at the bottom level or halfway up at a sort of sub-basement level, so that it can be loaded with scenery or effects at either one of these levels. The apron stage itself is formed by raising the dance floor a height of about 3 feet, to bring it level with the stage proper. In the centre of this apron stage are two sliders which sink and open in order to allow the main stage to come up to stage level.

From the void beneath the stage, let us now go to the void above the restaurant ceiling where is situated the sliding trap of the ceiling and the bridge which descends during the presentation of the stage show. The bridge is approached along a corridor separately constructed in place of the normal catwalks which are there for the servicing of the lighting lanterns concealed in the roof.

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