The Olivier Theatre's flying system

Running time: 1.06mins

Film maker Mike Marriage

A theatre's flying system is a vital way of effecting quick scene changes, as the fly tower can store large pieces of set and then lower them down on to the stage very quickly. Traditional flying systems (like the one in the Lyttelton) use a series of bars, but the individually controllable point hoists in the Olivier give Automation Manager Jamie Taylor considerably more options to play with.

Olivier Theatre

The Olivier Theatre - named after Laurence Olivier, the first director of the National Theatre - is the largest of the three theatres at the National.

Olivier flying system in action

Watch the flying system in action.
The Olivier Theatre's flying system

A film introduction the Olivier Theatre's flying system, a vital way of effecting quick scene changes.
Olivier Theatre overview

The Olivier Theatre is modeled on the ancient Greek amphitheatre at Epidaurus.
The Olivier Theatre's drum revolve

The giant drum revolve in the Olivier Theatre is five storeys high and contains several elevators.
The Making of Timon - Building the set

A timelapse of the fit up process for Timon of Athens in the Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre.
Vocal exploration of the Olivier Theatre

Jeannette Nelson takes actors through a vocal exploration of the Olivier Theatre.
FELA! video diary - episode 5

Paulette Ivory gives us a glimpse of the cast's first opportunity to rehearse on the Olivier stage.

The Olivier Theatre's flying system

Olivier Theatre

Olivier flying system in action

The Olivier Theatre's flying system

Olivier Theatre overview

The Olivier Theatre's drum revolve

The Making of Timon - Building the set

Vocal exploration of the Olivier Theatre

FELA! video diary - episode 5

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