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…
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.
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!
We’re looking forward to exhibiting at the PLASA show this month. The PLASA show is one of the most important events in the UK for anyone interested in audio, lighting, video and staging.
Some companies use the show to launch or promote new products and as well as exhibiting our Metrodeck and Steeldeck staging systems, Maltbury will be showing off our new Backdrape packages. We’re going to use the show to test a potential new addition to our Backdrape item – an LED light Starcloth. The Starcloth will be controlled using a multi-function remote that’s got Philip, our gadget-mad director, very excited (boys and their toys!).
Joining Philip at the show is our sales manager Kate. Both Kate and Philip will be at the show on Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th April. Come see them at stand RA-C5 as well as a huge variety of other exhibitors this April in Leeds. Take part in the free seminars andtraining workshops as well as the Exhibition show by registering for your free ticket here.
Plain Handrails
Maltbury staging handrails bolt on the outside of our decks usually through the truss. A backplate provides a stable clamp on the inside of the frame. Because they can be attached through the deck’s truss the handrails can be positioned almost anywhere on a deck – they are not limited by needing to be secured through bolt holes.
There are two standard formats. By far the more popular is the plain style (pictured) although we also offer a grille style which fulfils the 100mmm sphere safety test: a ball of this diameter must not be able topass through the rails at any point. This is supposed to represent a small child’s head and so is usually only required where small children are known to be present.
Guildhall School of Music & Drama
We also make custom-designed rails for some of our non-standard jobs as at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama (pictured).
Metrodeck handrails or Steeldeck handrails can be ordered to fit your existing staging decks or you can include them when your first stage order. Contact us for more information about stage handrails.
Whereas before we only offered theatre backdrapes, we now also offer two types of backdrop! So I thought a quick blog keeping you in the know would be appropriate.
Performance Backdrape
We still offer theatre backdrop systems, now known as Performance Backdrape. Their sturdy baseplates mean they support thick wool serge drapes safely and their adjustable uprights and crossbars allow for infinite versatility.
But the exciting new addition on the Maltbury scene is the Event Backdrape! Because it’s portable, suitable for a tight budget and comes with shimmering Ivory drapes this system is typically used for wedding backdrops, party backdrops or any special occasion backdrop! Some customers just buy the pipe frame as they have their own special drapes, like Starcloth, that they want to attach.
Event Backdrape
We’ve had loads of interest in both our Backdrape packages. Although many customers find they want some parts from both systems – not a problem at all because all the parts are modular, making it super simple to custom build a pipe and drape package. We’ve found that people are also using them as room dividers and for exhibitions.
Unfortunately we don’t hire backdrops out but our customers tell us that buying a backdrop frame tends to work out cheaper then forking out cash to hire one out even a couple of times.
Click here for more information and check our downloads page for prices. Or simply drop me an email and I’ll be happy to help!
I thought I’d covered all the bases when discussing Stage Legs in the last Product Blog – but turns out I missed out one jazzy use! Well, I say Jazz, but actually I mean Zumba! Zumba is the latest craze in dance exercise and we’ve been handing out advice and quotes to teachers of Zumba who want a safe and convenient stage to shake their booty on.
1, 2, 3 Zumba!
Stage leg heights are paramount when considering a stage for teaching dance (Zumba or otherwise!). Whilst it’s essential that everyone can see the teacher it’s also important that the stage height is safe for the teacher to be jumping around on. As Maltbury customise our legs to any height, we can provide a stage that is safe and robust but that also allows for the whole class to see what move they need to master next!
For more info on Zumba check out the UK website. If you’re interested in receiving a quote get in touch with us at the office or find out more information about dance stages here.
A Free 100g Bar with you Quote!
Based in Brighton, Maltbury Staging are lucky enough to have a huge choice of some of the best British chocolate companies right on our door step – which made it simple to decide on what we should offer our customers this Valentines.
And although we hate ourselves a little for following the Valentines’ gimmick, I think you’ll forgive us when you see how un-cheesy (figuratively and literally!) the chocolate we’ve chosen to give away to you is!
The Independent calls Montezuma a ‘food superhero’ for their innovative and delicious flavours, high quality chocolate and ethical production.
All you need to know is that it tastes divine and how to get you mitts on some!! It’s easy, just call or email us with you your 
Staging or Backdrape requirements and we’ll give you a no-obligation quote AND a 100g bar of Montezuma chocolate!
“DID YOU KNOW!? We’re offering a free set of legs with every stage order made in March 2011! Click for more info!!”
We’ve had a lot of orders recently for different sized stage legs from customers who have already purchased a stage from us.
Modular Stage Legs
This is always encouraging as it means customers are really taking advantage of the versatility of their modular decks.
At one height the decks are already versatile – being able to change from a proscenium stage to a catwalk or even to in the round. But with different heights all sorts of stage formations are possible.
Boxhill School recently bought new legs for their stage and used them to make a raised platform that made the ‘bed’ in their Arabian Nights production – I’ve requested a picture as this has intrigued me!
Tiered Staging
Apart from offering different stylistic design choices, having different sized legs at your disposable means the stage can be customised for specific purposes.
Legs can also be used to create a raked stage whereby the stage is slightly sloped down towards the front of the stage. Or the different leg heights can be used to make a tiered stage for a choir or for tiered seating.
We have re-designed our stage legs so they can now be used either way around. This makes assembly easier as there is less to think about!
Our Steel legs are also priced very competitively – did you know four 200mm legs will cost just £8? Bargain!
Following the increase of VAT to 20% it seems most companies are offering the same deal this January – ‘Beat the VAT’. We think this a rather uninspiring offer. After all it only amounts to a less than 2.5% saving.
Much brain-storming ensued to think of an unbeatable offer until – Eureka!
What was meant to be an alternative to beating the VAT resulted in us creating our biggest offer to date. Wait for it. . .
A WHOLE FREE DECK!
Buy four decks from any of our ranges and receive a fifth absolutely free! And of course if your stage is going to be bigger you save more – order sixteen decks and you’ll have another four free ones. Much more for your money!
Yum!
Although this offer is only available throughout January, delivery can be arranged for whenever is best for you. For full details of the offer, including terms and conditions click here.
And in case you still wanted a way to avoid the VAT increase . . . Jaffa Cakes are still un-taxed.