Credit: The Lowry Raised Platform for a Musical Achievement
“42 Balloons” is the brilliantly funny musical performance that tells the true story of Larry Walters and Carol Van Deusen’s extraordinary adventure to achieve a lifelong dream. In the summer of 1982, they constructed an unconventional aircraft using a chair and approximately 42 helium balloons, launching Larry 16,000 feet into the sky above Los Angeles.
Having previously collaborated with Steeldeck on other projects, Production Manager Ryan Funnell reached out to us for assistance in constructing a raised band platform behind the set. The show features a live band, and the stage space in the Quays Theatre at The Lowry required additional space with a raised platform.
The platform needed to be at a specific height to align perfectly with the level of the scenery, requiring full bracing due to its height. Additionally, the design had to tightly follow the curve of the scenery.
We explored various deck layout options in AutoCAD and considered different solutions for the access steps to minimise the use of wing space.
With a tight build and tech schedule for the show, we had to navigate around a lot of other on-stage activities to get the platform built in time for the band to begin technical rehearsals.
Despite other work needing completion before we could start our platform, we kept our team on site and worked around the show’s needs to ensure timely completion.
