West End musical The Lion King has installed infra-red (IR) illuminators to improve safety on stage under low light.
The production’s automation and stage management departments rely on CCTV cameras to view moving set pieces while the stage lights are down, two UFLED illuminators are installed at either side of the stage to allow the cameras to see in the dark.
The team were looking to replace conventional 500W IR lamps with solid state versions to cut maintenance and running costs. Following evaluation they selected Derwent illuminators which are designed, the manufacturers report, for long life, low running costs and even illumination. The UFLED is a compact, LED illuminator with a very low power consumption of only 50W and an average LED life of more than five years. The unit effectively illuminates distances of more than 50m, when used with IR-sensitive cameras, the makers add.
Deputy head of sound Hyder Khalil says: “We found Derwent had the widest range of LED Infra-Red lamps available. With their help we were able to select the correct unit for our needs"
Since the units’ installation in June 2005 comments from the people who watch the in-show camera images have been very positive, images are crisper and more defined than before. Hyder adds: “Knowing we won’t have to worry about changing bulbs is a major benefit for us. This is a saving in terms of time and money and also enhances the safety of performers on-stage as there is no chance of bulbs failing mid-show.”
