Richard Jarmy Photography
Bespoke Theatre Platform and Spiral Staircase for Norwich Theatre Royal
Tailored stage hire solution delivered for landmark amateur production.
As part of the 40th anniversary of Les Misérables, the amateur rights were released for the first time through a special initiative led by MTI and Cameron Mackintosh. This formed part of the Let the People Sing community project, which invited amateur groups across the UK and Ireland to take part in this historic celebration of the show.
In Norwich, the production was led by Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society, while local amateur groups were also involved in this co-production: Sound Ideas Theatre Company, Echo Youth Theatre, and Threshold Theatre Company.
The Brief
Technical Director John Venier got in touch looking for a robust stage hire solution that would support a striking set structure for his upcoming production. We were appointed to design and install a stand-alone custom-built theatre platform and spiral staircase that would work on the existing theatre stage. This included a raised walkway, staircase access, and a bespoke look that matched the scale and ambition of the production.
AJ Feather Photography
AJ Feather Photography
What We Supplied
We provided a temporary staging solution – designed, delivered, built, and later removed the full structure. As part of the build, we sent out balustrade sections in advance so the client could fabricate their own handrail fronts which simply slotted over ours and helped deliver a more finished, custom look on stage.
The Spiral Challenge
While spiral staircases are not new to us, this particular one was tighter than anything we had built before. To make it work, we created a contemporary design using layered decks that could complete a 180-degree turn and still be fully braced.
To keep the build on schedule and ensure a smooth install, we carried out a full test build in our yard ahead of delivery. We photographed the structure from all angles and shared it with the client, giving them confidence in what to expect and giving our crew a chance to familiarise themselves with the specifics of the build. With a short install window, that preparation made all the difference, and the structure went up quickly and smoothly on the day.
Outcome
A fully tailored, freestanding stage platform and spiral staircase that met the needs of a landmark production, delivered on time and with a few extra touches that helped make the final theatre staging feel truly bespoke, professional and performance ready.
Richard Jarmy Photography
Richard Jarmy Photography
Richard Jarmy Photography
Richard Jarmy Photography
Richard Jarmy Photography
“Nick, Tariq and the Steeldeck Team, I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you for your support and involvement in Les Misérables: Let the People Sing at the Theatre Royal Norwich. Your equipment and expertise played a crucial part in bringing the production to life, and I am incredibly grateful for your help in making it all happen so smoothly, both for the in and the out. Thank you again for being a part of this unforgettable collaboration, and I hope to work with you again in the future.”