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Swan Lake Photoshoot

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Steeldeck Delivers Submerged Platform for New Adventures’ Swan Lake Photoshoot

New Adventures, the British dance company led by the visionary Matthew Bourne, is renowned for its distinctive approach to theatrical storytelling. This year marks the 30th anniversary of their groundbreaking reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. To commemorate this milestone, the company recreated an iconic scene in the heart of London, staging a breathtaking photoshoot on the lake in St James’s Park.

Having previously worked with Production Manager Dylan Batdorff on theatre and events productions, Dylan got in touch to task Steeldeck with the challenge of designing and installing a submerged platform to stage the photoshoot as part of a media event for the launch of the Swan Lake production.

The immediate challenge was clear: how could we build a stable, level platform in the middle of St James’s Park Lake? Initially, we had no information about the depth of the lake or the condition of its base. If the lake was too deep, we would need extra bracing for stability. Soft or rocky ground could complicate the distribution of weight across the structure’s legs. Assembling the platform without interrupting accessibly to the public, especially with the location adjacent to the popular Blue Bridge tourist attraction, added another layer of complexity.

Our first step was a site survey and planning visit with the client and the Royal Parks’ events and filming manager. We assessed access points, health and safety risks, and the environment, and learnt that the lake is man-made with a maximum depth of 3 feet with a solid concrete base. We also coordinated with the park’s environmental team to ensure minimal disruption to the wildlife.

Our Steeldeck crew, equipped with waders and life jackets, conducted a full survey and measured a 20m x 20m section, recording depths every 6 feet. These measurements were transferred into AutoCAD, allowing us to precisely design the platform and calculate the required leg lengths for each section of the lake.

Swan Lake photoshoot St James Park, Steeldeck Rentals design and build
Swan Lake photoshoot St James Park, Steeldeck Rentals design and build
Swan Lake photoshoot St James Park, Steeldeck Rentals design and build
Swan Lake photoshoot St James Park, Steeldeck Rentals design and build
Swan Lake photoshoot St James Park, Steeldeck Rentals design and build
Swan Lake photoshoot St James Park, Steeldeck Rentals design and build
Swan Lake photoshoot St James Park, Steeldeck Rentals design and build
Swan Lake photoshoot St James Park, Steeldeck Rentals design and build
Swan Lake photoshoot St James Park, Steeldeck Rentals design and build
Swan Lake photoshoot St James Park, Steeldeck Rentals design and build
Swan Lake photoshoot St James Park, Steeldeck Rentals design and build
Swan Lake photoshoot St James Park, Steeldeck Rentals design and build

The process of building the platform began with designing a walkway from the bank to the centre of the lake, leading to a 16′ x 8′ platform where the photoshoot would take place. To create the illusion that the dancers were standing on water, the platform needed to be positioned precisely 20mm below the waterline, requiring exact calculations and careful execution.

While we knew the lake had a solid base and was relatively shallow, we were uncertain how the decking would behave once submerged. We began by constructing a sloped ramp from the bank, methodically joining each deck as we progressed into the lake. With no access to powered tools, we relied on manual equipment to tighten bolts and adjust legs.

Working in the water posed unique challenges. The cold conditions slowed progress, but we remained diligent, mindful of the associated risks. The Royal Parks team was immensely helpful, ensuring that all health and safety considerations were met. They also facilitated vehicle access, provided parking, and helped manage logistics on the day of the build and the strike.

The client was thrilled with the final result. The photos captured during the shoot were stunning and perfectly conveyed the magical imagery they were aiming for. Both New Adventures and the Royal Parks team praised Steeldeck’s professionalism and adaptability. Our efficient, self-contained approach allowed us to complete the project with minimal disruption to the park’s daily operations.

This project demonstrated Steeldeck’s ability to deliver creative, bespoke solutions—even in the most challenging environments.

“Working with Steeldeck on our Swan Lake 30th anniversary photoshoot was an absolute pleasure. The project presented unique challenges—from building a submerged platform in the middle of a lake to maintaining a seamless aesthetic where our dancers appeared to be standing on water. Steeldeck handled everything with professionalism and precision. Their team was incredibly resourceful, delivering a flawless platform that exceeded our expectations. Not only did they minimise disruption in a busy public park, but their dedication to health and safety was also exemplary. The end result was stunning, and the photos captured the vision we had in mind perfectly. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner on this project.”

Dylan Batdorff, Production Manager, New Adventures