From left to right: Byron Olivato (Double J), Shaun Murphy (Gus), Ferdinand Gernandt (Tony Manero), Matthew Counihan (Bobby C) and Cobus Gomes (Joey)

Ferdinand Gernandt as Tony Manero

The set is a combination of elements from the UK and the Australian touring productions, which includes an illuminated dancefloor and a large mirror ball. Producers Big Concerts in association with Richard Loring specifically wanted a new lighting design for the South African shows which was based on the original.

Randall has sought to recreate an authentic 1970’s period feel with his design, whilst adding a modern twist to keep audiences captivated, and enhancing the singing, choreography and stunning costumes.

The base elements of the set are three trussing "goal-posts" on which most of the automated lighting is rigged. Eighteen Robe ColorWash 700E ATs and 13 Robe ColorSpot 700E ATs make up the overhead lighting rig, with 6 Robe ColorWash 750AT Tungstens and some Source 4’s on the vertical sections.

Another 8 Robe ColorSpot 700E ATs are rigged on side ladders and in boom positions. All the fixtures utilized in the show – which includes a large generic rig - are controlled via the Lyric’s GrandMA console. This and the Robe fixtures were supplied for the theatre’s house rig by South African distributor DWR when the venue opened 8 months ago.

“The Robe units are great,” comments Randall. “The ColorWashes are awesome and hard working, the Tungstens really impressed me and the ColorSpots have proved extremely reliable.”

With only three weeks between load in and opening night, including a week’s technical, time was tight for programming the 500 odd lighting cues into the desk, a task for which Randall worked alongside lighting operator, Glenn Duncan.

It was the first time he had used a full Robe rig, although he had experimented on one or two fixtures previously, and is very pleased with the results.