My set design has always centred around designing a suspended environment for aerial shows. I see the rig (aerial structure) as a character in the show and have produced some unusual shapes which diversify greatly from traditional aerial rigs.
Humansect
Rig Design and installation for Urban Angels’ show Humansect, Left Bank, Leeds
Enchantress
Silver tree rig, ‘Enchantress’ Skinning the Cat – was the central character around and on which the performance revolved. An unusual design in that it was three rigging points from a single upright. This created a 360-degree view of the show.
‘Albatross’ Avanti
Ghost ship, ‘Albatross’ Avanti… – The ship’s mast created points for aerial performance and it’s jib-boom raised and lowered on a pulley to fly the albatross
Birdcage, ‘Arabesque’
This slim archway was free-standing with outriggers.
Triple arch rig, ‘Chameleon’
Skinning the Cat – Incorporated a stage, chameleon sculptures, climbable nets on either side with aerial platforms above them. 9 meters high, suitable for swinging equipment.
Circus Fiesta 2010
I headed the team for the development of Tony Hopkins’ Circus Fiesta. We plan to take the circus to a new creative level keeping our roots in classical circus but integrating contemporary themes. Circus Fiesta’s beautiful little big top will be transformed into a vintage environment.
Claire de lune
The mobile rig ‘Claire de lune’ Skinning the Cat – Attached to an oval stage on wheels this 4-meter high rig moved around sites during the performance.