Our Metrodeck and Steeldeck customers are once again offering a variety of shows this February and March. So let’s move on from the Siberian Winter and look forward to Spring with some Jazz at Komedia and a pep talk from Bear Grylls!
Steeldeck customers, the Brighton Centre, present Bear Grylls’ Mud Sweat and Tears. Bear Grylls shares what goes on behind the scenes of his popular show MAN vs WILD, his experience to Mount Everest and expands on the epic stories in his autobiography. Saturday March 24th
The Maccabees are playing at Brighton Dome on Friday 9th March. Showcasing their new album ‘Given to the Wild’, the Maccabees will play an intimate gig of ‘distorted pop, psychedelic and soulful guitar wig outs’. For more info click here.
Metrodeck customers, Komedia Brighton, are hosting the Brighton Jazz Club fortnightly throughout February and March. Includes acts from ‘fiery trumpeter’ Fishwick to ‘virtuosic saxophonist’ Tony Kofi. More details here.
I used to enjoy Autumn but since my Brighton commute now involves a long cycle along the seafront the ‘gale force winds’ have significantly cooled my attitude towards this season – makes me want to hibernate even. Speaking of which…
Maltbury’s Storage Accessories – because sometimes staging likes to hibernate too!
OK, please excuse the tedious link, but at least now I can talk you through how simple it is to store your decks whatever the weather.
1. Castors: These nifty wheels insert into each corner post of a deck effectively making a moveable trolley which can hold a stack of up to 15 decks. It’s that simple!
2. Ratchet Straps: To keep the decks sliding off each other we provide a strong ratchet strap to securely strap the decks together.
3. Trolleys: Effectively the decks are their own trolley. But we also supply special trolleys for the storage of legs (if you have a lot) and for handrails. We also supply narrow trolleys for when decks need to be stored on their side – i.e. to go through doors.
Now if only finding some glamorous waterproofs was as easy…
Amershame & Wycombe College's Metrodeck
With funding cuts reducing the number of new school projects in recent months, Maltbury’s ability to re-invigorate and re-invent performance spaces has been a life-saver for many clients. The adaptability of our staff and products means we offer schools an excellent service not only for new builds but also for the refurbishment of existing buildings. Here’s why:
1. A Bird in the Hand… As the saying goes it is more beneficial to have something you can use right away. Schools that purchase our equipment as part of a refurbishment are able to make instant improvements to their performance space. New build projects take years to complete. Schools can benefit from using our kit now rather than putting up with poor performance spaces whilst the new build details are finalized. We supply our decks promptly and once you have them you can start exploring alternative production styles and designs straight away.
2. Kit is not redundant if a new venue is built. It’s as simple as that. Our portable decks can be transferred to any room or divided up to use in multiple rooms. Our decks are used nationwide in small studios as well as in school theatres and halls, as well as professional theatres, concert halls and opera houses. Maltbury’s staging equipment can be used straight away to improve an existing space and then transferred to new venues when the time is right.
Amershame & Wycombe College's Metrodeck
3. Flexibility: A fixed installation significantly limits the range of performance styles available to you. Our demountable decks offer limitless versatility that caters for a massive variety of arts presentation. Canon Slade school have used their Metrodecks to create a two level seating structure ‘in the round’, a proscenium arch stage and a catwalk. Alex Monro, technician at Amersham & Wycombe College has used his Metrodecks to create a tree, a bridge and a swing! Says he “‘I use it all the time and it’s great for every show. . . We use it for everything, seriously!”
4. Save Money: Buying staging equipment to refurbish your school allows you to only buy what is needed or what you can afford. Our modular decks can be added to whenever you have the resources to do so. Many schools return to purchase extra decks and accessories from us years after their initial order.
Maltbury used to hire out Metrodeck and Steeldeck Staging. We no longer do this but our experience in the stage hire business means that we understand why people often find that it makes more economic sense to buy our modular staging and Backdrape systems rather than hire them.
The first point to examine is the cost of hiring stage equipment which escalates quickly when you consider the transport charges. Sometimes the price of having equipment delivered and then collected again can exceed the value of the hire itself!
What’s more, you’re always at risk of losing a deposit if you damage hired kit. And on top of that hiring stage equipment limits you to certain designs and styles. But once you purchase staging equipment you’re free to alter or fix-up the kit as and when you like and there’s no deposit to lose!
People who’ve purchased equipment often find that they can use their decks much more than they anticipated, for example for smaller tasks which couldn’t have justified hiring in equipment. And you can save money by purchasing your core items and only hiring in the odd extras when you need them.
Backdrape customer Carolyn Simon initially called to hire staging equipment but purchased a Performance Backdrape instead. She recognised that “it was more profitable to buy a backdrop system just the once rather than repeatedly spending money hiring one in”.
You may find the same applies to you. Get in touch with our Sales team for Backdrape and Staging purchases
It’s the end of the summer (already!?) and Maltbury’s Brighton customers have some great entertainment lined up this autumn. Here are my favourite picks from September’s calendar…
The Brighton Centre, customers of our Steeldeck Staging, present some big comedy names this season including the ‘Spexy Beast’ Alan Carr! His brand new show is the first Alan’s toured with in four years and is sure to be a sell out. For tickets and info click here.
Metrodeck customers Komedia present ‘Alive and Swinging with Marilyn Monroe’. Marilyn returns to earth with showbiz pals Frank Sinatra and Elvis for a final night of swinging, cabaret fun. Join them for dinner, show and dance at Komedia Brighton this September. Ticket information here.
Finally, see Bombay Cycle Club at the Brighton Dome at the end of September. The indie turned folk quartet had a top ten album last summer and are set to start a new chapter with the release of their new album ‘A Different Kind of Fix’. For more info click here.
When I started at Maltbury it took me a while to clock on to some of the ‘staging’ lingo. One of the terms that I didn’t understand at first was ‘treads’. Treads are steps or stairs that lead up to the stage. And like Maltbury‘s versatile modular decks, our treads are versatile and modular too.
Plywood Box Treads
We offer different types of treads to suit different stages and different needs.
Our plywood ‘Box Treads’ are our most regularly ordered treads. For low-level staging they are an uncomplicated modular accessory that attaches to the side of the stage to create simple straightforward steps. However once the stage height starts to increase the plywood treads start to become impractical due to the bulky size and expense.
Modular Treads
Maltbury uses ‘free-standing’ treads for higher stages. By using a simple and strong steel framework the steps are better suited practically and financially for taller stages. We make the free-standing treads to order and they attach to the side of the deck. With the option of bolt-on handrails they instantly create a safe stairway. And when they’re not in use just remove the legs and they lie flat – great foreasy storage.
We also supply modular treads that can be built one on top of each other to virtually any height. They are made in 1 foot and 2 foot heights (see picture).
Get in touch for advice on what treads would suit your stage best.
The hottest day in the UK for 5 years! Brighton comes into its own in the summer time but after the beach and the burn there’s still plenty to amuse yourself with. This July Maltbury’s Brighton customers offer comedy, music and lots of dancing!
Brighton Dome, owners of Metrodeck and Steeldeck, present a 1920’s themed Tea Dance. Dust off your dancing shoes for an afternoon of waltz, tango, rumba and foxtrot all to the music of the Footloose Dance Orchestra at Brighton’s Corn Exchange. For more info click here.
Streetfunk!
If you’d rather watch dancing than take-part then watch out for Streetfunk. Streetfunk is Brighton’s most popular hip hop dance company and they’ll be showcasing their moves alongside special guests – including the winners of Sky’s Got to Dance 20011! Click for ticket details.
Metrodeck customer Komedia in Brighton are offering a discount on their Summer Krater Comedy Club shows. With 4 top comedians in each show and a tasty menu to boot the Karter Club shows are already really popular with locals. For more info on ticket prices click here.
We’re very busy at the moment with both Staging and Backdrape orders but we’re still finding time to prepare ourselves (just!) for the ABTT Theatre Show 2011.
ABTT has been an important fixture for over 30 years for anyone involved in technical theatre, from manufacturers through to suppliers and end users. This year it takes place on the 15th and 16th of June at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London.
ABTT is one of the liveliest and most rewarding shows in Maltbury’s show calendar. It’s exciting for us to see what new products are being brought out as well as meeting the people who will actually use our products.
All us office-bound folk are attending but the phone and emails will be working as usual – courtesy of our IT whizz Kavita. Philip and I will be on hand to explain the benefits of Maltbury’s modular staging as well as presenting our Backdrape systems. Come see us at stand 111 in the Lawrence Hall.
For info on registering as a visitor and for a list of exhibitors visit the ABTT Theatre Show website.
Our Metrodeck and Steeldeck customers are putting on some great shows in June. With a bit of singing, bit of dancing, bit of laughing – what more could you want?!
Matthew Morrison at Brighton Centre
On June 11th the Brighton Centre, owners of our Steeldeck staging, present Matthew Morrison a.k.a. Will Schuester! Matthew features in hit U.S. comedy-musical show ‘Glee’ and is performing hits from the show as well as his own songs. Very exciting for ‘Gleeks’ like me! Click here for tickets.
Metrodeck owner, Komedia Brighton present ‘No Town like Motown’ this June. This 9-piece soul band will have you shaking your tail feathers in no time with their tight rhythms and fine vocals. Only £5.00 a ticket, click for more info!
Brighton Festival May 2011
And finally Brighton Dome, customers of both our Metrodeck and Steeldeck systems, presents The Treason Show. With their trademark satire and featuring special guests The Treason Show has become a regular summer fixture in Brighton. More info.
And of course right now it’s Brighton Festival season! There’s so much to see and take part in, please visit the Brighton Festival website for full details and hope to see you there!
It’s been a while since the last blog (thank you sunny bank holidays!) but we’re back to the regular routine now and here’s what we’ve been up to recently.
Firstly we’ve introduced Free Delivery on Education orders made in May. So if schools, colleges or universities are thinking of purchasing staging for summer productions or even next year order now to get free delivery!
Maltbury have been awarded a Gold Payroll Giving award! Payroll Giving allows staff to donate to their chosen charities straight from their pay cheque. Due to the majority of Maltbury’s staff taking part in Charitable Giving we’ve been awarded ‘Gold’ in recognition of our commitment to good causes and the local community.
We had a great time at the PLASA Focus Exhibition in Leeds. Kate and Philip had a successful show promoting our modular staging and backdrapes, including the new Starcloth backdrop.
And finally, we caught up with some past projects and we’ve added new photos and customer reviews to our News and Reviews section.
That’s all for now. Look out for the Brighton Festival 2011 blog coming soon!