Sadler’s Wells East

Tiered seating banks for R.O.S.E.

Factory International’s production of R.O.S.E. called for something bold – a series of large, tiered audience banks that would allow the audience to stand on for a performance in a nightclub setting.

We had previously supplied a smaller version for the show’s run at the Manchester International Festival, delivered by our Manchester team. For the shows transfer to Sadler’s Wells East in London, the creative team behind the performance wanted to considerably scale up the concept.

Working from the designer’s initial drawings, we collaborated closely with the producing team and venue to ensure the structure matched the creative vision and met safety requirements such as fire escape access and audience movement in the dark. We also built an accessible platform and supplied detailed drawings to support the venue with allocating tickets.

As the production evolved, we needed to accommodate additional tiers to support the design. Our team responded quickly, adapting the design while keeping the build practical and safe. The sprung floor at Sadler’s Wells East was relatively new, so protecting it was a key consideration. We developed a packing solution that distributed weight evenly across the surface, preventing any damage while maintaining stability.

The result was a striking, functional set of tiered audience banks that enhanced the atmosphere of R.O.S.E., while giving the production team peace of mind that both creativity and safety were fully addressed.