CLIENT
Done + Dusted
LOCATION
London Coliseum, UK
YEAR
2023
PROJECT TYPE
Broadcast Special
Scope
Loudspeaker system design, audio control and distribution, FOH & Monitor mixing
Services Provided
- →Audio system design
- →FOH and monitor mixing
- →System operation
- →Off-site rehearsal support
The Brief
To design and operate audio systems for a live televised Christmas special, recorded at the historic London Coliseum and broadcast on Apple TV. The goal was to provide a warm, immersive sound experience for the audience in the theatre, while ensuring clarity and quality for the broadcast mix, all within the constraints of a visually sensitive, listed venue.
The Challenge
Working in a venue like the London Coliseum brings a unique set of pressures, preserving the architectural integrity of the theatre, maintaining its on-camera beauty, and overcoming its less-than-ideal acoustics for modern amplified music. The front rows of the audience were set cabaret-style for VIPs, seated close to the performers but awkwardly placed for coverage. Additionally, the show included a high proportion of spoken word and comedic moments, demanding crystal-clear intelligibility and uniform coverage throughout.
Our Approach
Auditoria joined the project at concept stage, working closely with the production and creative teams to shape a solution that was both technically sound and visually discreet. A lightweight LCR system based on KIVA II elements was suspended via a bespoke truss and steel wire arrangement, minimising roof load and visual obstruction. Carefully placed fills and flown arrays were used to achieve even coverage, including speech-focused front fills for VIPs and overhead down-fills re-tasked mid-project to serve as delays for the upper balconies.
Working alongside Musical Director David Tench and his band, we created a detailed IEM and monitoring system using Shure PSM1000s and AVIOM personal mixers. Dialogue, vocals, and orchestration were managed with DiGiCo Quantum 338 consoles at both FOH and monitors, with Bricasti reverb units, and signal distribution with multiple SD Racks via Optocore.
Technical Highlights:
Audio Design
Main PA: L/C/R KIVA II arrays (10 elements per hang)
Subs: Two flown KS28 arrays (2 per side)
VIP downfill: Re-purposed KARA II arrays (3 per side) for balcony delay
Front fill: 6 x 5XT and 2 x Syva Low embedded in the stage fascia
Control: DiGiCo Quantum 338 at FOH and monitors, Bricasti M7 reverbs
Signal distribution: Optocore with SD Racks and MADI interfaces
Wireless: Shure Axient Digital and PSM1000s, with AVIOM for band monitoring
Inputs: 96 input channels across choir and live band
The Results
The atmosphere in the theatre was everything a Christmas special should be, warm, engaging, and beautifully executed. The sound system delivered impact and intimacy in equal measure, with flawless intelligibility allowing every musical moment and well-timed punchline to land as intended.
The broadcast received critical acclaim and audience praise alike, earning nominations at the BAFTA TV Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Technical Direction.
Acknowledgements
Our Client
This was a truly collaborative production, with a team operating at the top of their game. From David Tench’s direction of the music to Hamish Hamilton’s creative vision and Done + Dusted’s seamless production, it was a joy to be part of something so carefully crafted. Special thanks to Terry Tew for audio supply, and to Apple TV for trusting the team with such a personal and elegant production.
Our Team
- Audio Designer: Scott Willsallen
- Project Manager: Ethan Curry
- FOH Mix Engineer: Toby Chester
- Monitor Mix Engineer: Martin Dineley
Our Supplier
Terry Tew
Images Credit
Apple TV
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