SEL Live (formally known as Sussex Events), a leading event production company has elevated the stage experience at the Brighton Family Panto with cutting-edge technology provided by their recent investment in EXE Flexa Real-Time Wireless Load Cells.
 
The annual pantomime returned to the Double Tree by Hilton Metropole Brighton for another cherished production, bringing families and friends together for the yearly spectacular blend of music, comedy and audience participation.
 
This year, behind the scenes, precision and safety took centre stage thanks to the seamless integration of EXE Flexa Load Cells into the production’s rigging system.
 


SEL Live has worked with the organisers for the last 6 years, constructing all the theatre infrastructure and delivering full production for the in-house bespoke venue, which seats an audience of just under 900.  With limited rigging points and overhead weight restrictions in the hotel’s Ballroom, which transforms into a spectacular festive theatre set-up.  It was the perfect opportunity to utilise x12 EXE Flexa Real-Time Wireless Load Cells to monitor safe working loads. The new load cells complement SEL Live’s comprehensive inventory of MILOS truss and roof systems, EXE Hoists and XStage, stage deck, all serviced and purchased through Area Four Direct UK.
The Brighton Family Panto is renowned for its vibrant sets, dazzling costumes, and gravity-defying special effects. However, behind the glitz and glamour lies a meticulous operation requiring robust rigging and safety measures to ensure performers and equipment are protected. This is where the EXE Flexa Load Cells played a pivotal role.

The load cells, provided by EXE Technology, are renowned for their reliability, accuracy, and user-friendly design. SEL Live deployed the cutting-edge system to monitor the weight and tension of overhead rigging, including lighting rigs, suspended scenery, moving drapes and aerial performer equipment.
Real-Time Monitoring for Dynamic Productions
The Real-Time EXE Flexa Load Cells feature a wireless monitoring system that delivers live data directly to technicians, allowing them to respond to any unexpected changes immediately. During the Brighton Family Panto, this technology provided SEL Live with peace of mind and operational efficiency, as they needed to build an additional sub-grid due to the limited rigging points in the venue.
The system provided real-time data information to ensure everything stayed within safe working loads, delivering imperative insight and intel as the team were operating a specific temporary structure in a hotel and not a real-life theatre, suspending 4 tonnes of rigging above the audience. The EXE Flexa system ensures this is done safely, whereby the load monitoring data can be assessed for the duration of the production. Investing in the Load Cell system has enabled SEL Live to add a new service offering to its expansive portfolio. With live performances, safety is paramount, especially when working with heavy rigging, and dynamic elements like video, scenery and aerial performers, which is of vital importance to the SEL Live team. EXE Load Cells will now be a key feature onsite at events and will be rolled out over the forthcoming busy summer season of outdoor festivals and events that kick off the first Bank Holiday weekend in May!
Alongside the EXE Flexa Load Cells, the SEL Live team deployed 170 metres of MILOS truss, including M290 Trio for the tracks, which were used for the first time this year, x8 EXE 500Kg hoists and S9 and S10 XStage deck for the pantomime.

Robert Watson, Director at SEL Live said: “EXE Flexa Load Cells really gives us the opportunity to know we are getting it right and take the guesswork out of on-site changes.  It's a really easy system to use and the product oozes quality, which is something Area Four Industries are constantly delivering on. The units are another tool in our arson and have already become a standard feature in our rigging risk assessment.” 
The collaboration between SEL Live, Area Four Direct UK and EXE Technology highlights the importance of using advanced tools to meet the demands of modern event production. As productions like the Brighton Family Panto become increasingly complex, innovative solutions such as EXE Flexa Load Cells are essential for achieving creative vision without sacrificing safety or efficiency.
Dave Jeffery, UK Brand Manager at Area Four Industries, said:
"I’d like to personally thank SEL Live for their continued investment in the A4i portfolio. Their commitment to adopting advanced solutions, such as the EXE Flexa Realtime System and their extensive MILOS truss inventory, highlights their dedication to delivering safe and exceptional live event experiences. It’s a pleasure to work with a company that continually strives for excellence, and I’m excited to see how these systems will enhance their upcoming productions. We value their trust and look forward to supporting their success for many years to come."

Sleeping Beauty ran from 19^th to 30^th December 2024 in the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton Metropole Brighton. The impressive 1890s building located on Kings Road has hosted several popular pantos over the years and will return in December 2025 with Jack and The Beanstalk.