It’s not every day that an invitation lands on your desk to witness one of the most striking live shows in recent memory. However, when it does – and it features automation, layer upon layer of drapery, special effects and pyrotechnics, eclectic video content, and a Flashdance-inspired ‘rain shower’ moment – it’s certainly a gig worth attending. With cutting-edge technology at its core, creativity and coordination played key roles in Shirin David’s SCHLAU ABER BLOND Tour 2025.
To meet the artist’s creative vision, Production Director, John Pryer and Production Manager, George Doherty of 24/7 Productions advanced the project – enlisting the expertise of Morgan Evans of Tim Routledge Lighting Design as Lead Production Designer. With a tourable design decided upon, an extensive shopping list was assembled before the project was put out to tender.
Step forward, some of the best in the business in Fly By Nite (trucking), Phoenix (buses), BBM Clair – part of Clair Global (audio and communications), Adlib (lighting, video, and rigging), Ox Event House (set, staging and lifts), TAIT (set and automation), Blackout (drapes and tracks), ER Productions (special effects and pyrotechnics), Delico Catering, Road Ramps (ramps and washing machines), and Equinox Charter (travel). When it came to support, Doherty noted, “there are a few numbers that you ring,” that always come through.
Production Stage Manager, Felix Baird, alongside Stage Manager and Vibes Coordinator, Rishi Gowry, oversaw the build and derig, with Doherty “offering solutions or workarounds” where needed. “Ruby, Mia and Siobhain in the production office all make my life easy every day. We’ve assembled a great crew,” the PM informed TPi, backstage at Berlin’s Uber Arena amid the penultimate date of the tour.
“Different-sized venues make for a challenging and exciting tour,” added Production Coordinator, Ruby Pring. “With us turning up to some venues at midday, given the routing, it has required advance planning of where everything needs to go, like signage, to make the transition as seamless as possible.”
As a Production Assistant, Mia Cartwright of 24/7 Productions lent a hand with signage. “This is my third tour, and I’ve learned a lot by working with the team. I find being involved in production a rewarding experience,” Cartwright said. “My favourite part of the role is making sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible away from home.”
The role of tour manager is often quite separate from production management, but on this tour both teams were closely unified under the 24/7 Productions banner. “It’s helped pull it together,” commented Tour Manager, Siobhain Brackenridge. “I’m acting as the main person liaising with artist management and feeding that information back to the production.”
During showtime, the TM doubles as an extra pair of hands for the stylists, working alongside Pring and Cartwright to assist Shirin David and her team through multiple costume changes between acts. Reflecting on her favourite moments of the show, Brackenridge shared: “There’s a swing, confetti, pyrotechnics – there’s a lot going on – but I’ve never seen rain on a show before!”
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Words: Jacob Waite
Photos: Tom Levin and TPi
