Brompton Technology Powers Dystopian Play and Nightclub Experience

Brompton Technology’s advanced LED video processors are at the heart of a unique theatrical experience in London. The play, titled Oscar At The Crown, is set in a post-apocalyptic world and is staged in a converted basement venue beneath Tottenham Court Road. The production not only explores themes of societal collapse due to climate change but also offers a vibrant musical celebration of the works of Oscar Wilde.

The narrative follows a group of individuals, exiled for their libertarian beliefs, who take refuge in an underground bar turned bunker. To uplift their spirits, they engage in nightly performances that blend storytelling with music. The centerpiece of this production is a remarkable 10m by 2m INFiLED AR series LED wall, which features a 2.97mm pixel pitch. This wall is powered by a Brompton Tessera SX40 LED video processor and a Tessera XD 10G data distribution unit, all supplied by Stage Sound Services.

Innovative Use of Technology in Performance

This production is marked by its innovative use of technology. The LED wall is strategically concealed behind a two-way mirror, dramatically revealing itself during pivotal moments in the play. This visual spectacle culminates in a nine-minute musical number, transforming the LED wall into what Nina Dunn, the video and projection designer as well as creative director at PixelLux, describes as “a ballistic stained-glass window.”

The story also intriguingly weaves in a character inspired by Julie Cooper from the television series The OC, suggesting that her social media presence predicted humanity’s downfall. This clever narrative device ties the play’s themes of media saturation and information overload to the characters’ experiences.

The venue itself has undergone a significant transformation. Originally a storage basement, it now includes various performance spaces, such as a half tube carriage and a bar. The LED wall not only enhances the set design by extending the physical space but also serves as a canvas for the characters’ imaginative expressions. The content displayed includes environments generated by Unreal Engine and live feeds from three PTZ cameras capturing the performances.

Technical Challenges and Solutions

Dunn highlighted the technical challenges posed by the two-way mirror, which added a brown tint and dimmed the display. She and her team utilized the Tessera’s Overdrive function to counteract these optical barriers while ensuring the fidelity of colours. “We found the Overdrive button and hit it to make it push through,” Dunn noted, emphasizing the importance of reliability in the system for the in-house team.

The rapid delivery of information is critical to the production, as the show is characterized by its fast-paced narrative and visual transitions. Dunn explained that the SX40 processor was vital in maintaining consistent visual quality across multiple input sources. “Colour is really important to me, along with the intensity of the image,” she stated. The intuitive interface of the SX40 allowed for quick adjustments, which were essential during the demanding production schedule.

The integration of video technology also extends beyond the performance itself. The LED screen displays live camera feeds for audience members seated at the bar, as well as graphics for post-show DJ sets and animated content that synchronizes with the performers’ movements. This seamless blend of theatre and nightclub environment creates an engaging atmosphere for attendees.

As each evening concludes, the production transitions from a theatrical performance to an actual nightclub experience. The LED technology facilitates this shift, enhancing the dance floor while maintaining the narrative’s integrity. “The show is unique because it’s a club night, but it’s also a club night with heart because there’s a story,” Dunn remarked.

By combining innovative technology with compelling storytelling, Oscar At The Crown not only captivates its audience but also showcases the transformative power of Brompton’s LED processing solutions. This production exemplifies how modern theatre can adapt and flourish, merging art with contemporary club culture while offering a poignant commentary on society.