Potters Resorts’ Bold Step into a Brighter Future

We’re always striving to enhance your experience. In the autumn of 2024, an ambitious project to upgrade the lighting rig commenced in The Atlas Theatre at Hopton-on-Sea.

This isn’t just a simple swap of bulbs; it’s a cutting-edge overhaul that will revolutionise how shows are created and experienced. With the latest technology and a commitment to sustainability, our stage at Hopton-on-Sea is about to shine brighter than ever—literally and figuratively.

To learn more, we caught up with Group Technical Manager, Lawrence Chandler.

A dazzling undertaking

Upgrading a theatre’s lighting rig is no small feat, even under normal circumstances. But unlike most venues, the theatres at Potters are in use every night. That has made this project in Norfolk not just a technical challenge, but a logistical one too, as Lawrence explains:

“Unlike cruise ships in dry dock or theatres closed for refurbishment, we’ve been working around the clock to make these changes, ensuring that every evening’s show continues uninterrupted.

After months of preparation, the team worked through the night to get everything set up

“Rigging new fixtures between performances, navigating the complexities of weight loads, limited space on the bars, and the daily handover of a fully operational theatre by 4pm became our routine for around 3 months!”

It’s clearly been a balancing act that showcases Potters’ commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment without compromise. But there’s more to this project than simply technological advances.

Why this upgrade matters

The new lighting rig is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it renews ageing incandescent lamp fixtures with state-of-the-art LED equipment. This modernisation is not only more energy-efficient but also far more versatile, capable of producing stunning visual effects that elevate the quality of every performance.

The move from traditional DMX (Digital Multiplex) control systems to an IP-based ArtNet/sACN infrastructure is equally transformative.

Lawrence continues: “We’ve been limited to four control universes, but this now expands to nearly 30, accommodating the advanced capabilities of the new lights. This shift allows us to program and control shows with unprecedented precision and creativity, ensuring every performance is a visual masterpiece.”

Energy efficiency meets innovation

Another standout benefit of this upgrade is the significant energy savings, as Lawrence highlights: “The previous rig was costing in the region of £60,000 per year to operate. The new system will reduce that by approximately 70%.”

Those savings are largely down to the LED light sources requiring power only when in use, unlike traditional fixtures that consume full power even during blackouts. Additionally, LED fixtures generate far less heat, reducing the need for air conditioning to cool the venue.

“This environmentally conscious approach aligns with our commitment to sustainability while enhancing the experience for our guests.”

The tools of transformation

For this project, Potters Resorts has partnered with Robe, a world-renowned manufacturer known for their innovative and durable lighting solutions, as well as quality and longevity.

Their fixtures offer cutting-edge features like pixel-mappable LED cells and advanced CMY colour mixing, capabilities that create vibrant and dynamic visuals that traditional lighting simply can’t match.

Another key addition is the Prolights Eclipse fixtures, which replace generic incandescent front face lights. These LED fixtures eliminate the need for frequent lamp changes and gel replacements while offering precise control over beam shapes and colour temperatures.

Together, these upgrades ensure the new lighting system is not only more efficient but also far more flexible and innovative.

A seamless transition 

While the physical installation has been complex, the real magic can now happen behind the scenes.

Lawrence said: “Programming each show in a virtual environment allows the technical team to pre-visualise and refine lighting designs without disrupting daily performances. This approach saves time, energy, and resources. But it also allows us to have a seamless transition now the new rig is fully operational.

“By using advanced visualisation software like Capture, our designers can craft intricate lighting effects in a virtual space, bringing their visions to life with incredible accuracy. Once finalised, these designs are implemented on stage, ensuring every moment of the show is perfectly illuminated.”

Enhancing your experience

For guests, this upgrade means an even more immersive and captivating entertainment experience. The new lighting rig enhances everything from the vibrant graphics on our video walls to the emotional impact of each musical number. With brighter, more dynamic visuals and precise color calibration, every show section becomes a feast for the senses.

And for the team, there are other wins, as Lawrence explains. “We now have the ability to transfer programming data between both resorts. This allows us to create shows more efficiently, helping to continue the Potters Theatre Company provision of a diverse and ever-evolving entertainment line-up.”

Investing in excellence

While more cost-effective options were available, Lawrence tells us Robe was chosen for their unmatched quality. Their fixtures are designed to last far longer than those of their competitors, with easily replaceable LED light sources that extend the life of the equipment. This commitment to quality ensures our investment will continue to pay off for years to come.

“Our decision to prioritise quality over short-term savings reflects that dedication to delivering the best possible experience for guests. Having chosen equipment that can stand the test of time, you can expect consistently exceptional performances without the disruption of frequent repairs or replacements.”

Lawrence (far left) with colleagues Simon Groom, Martyn Read, Elliot Barnard and Harley Roebuck after a long but successful night!

The future is bright

“We’re really excited about the possibilities this new rig brings. From stunning visual effects to energy-efficient operations, this upgrade is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. This is more than just a technical enhancement, it’s a promise to our guests that Potters will continue to set the standard for world-class entertainment.”

So, ‘the stage is set’ as they say, and Lawrence and his team look forward to creating more unforgettable experiences for you in our theatres for many years ahead.