EXE Technology Takes the Iconic National Theatre, London to New Heights

Global leader in innovative stage technology EXE TECHNOLOGY is excited to announce the latest investment from The National Theatre, London. The world-renowned venue has increased its in-house hoist stock by investing in additional 250Kg, 350Kg, and 500Kg EXE Rise D8+ chain hoists boosting their existing EXE stock levels.
 
The National continues to expand its EXE inventory, updating its old hoist fleet and upgrading to a full range of EXE units, having introduced the state-of-the-art chain hoist systems in 2023, the National Theatre were keen to align with the global leading brand. EXE has enhanced technical capabilities and efficiency in one of the most well-known and prestigious performing arts venues, accommodating three main theatre spaces in the heart of the capital.
 
The National Theatre, located on London’s South Bank, is one of the UK’s most iconic cultural institutions. Known for producing an eclectic range of performances that inspire and engage audiences, the National remains a leader in artistic and technical innovation.


 
Founded by actor Laurence Olivier in 1963, many globally acclaimed actors have performed within the venue since. The National Theatre has three separate theatre spaces – The Olivier which seats 1150 people, a fan-shaped auditorium and the largest of the theatres at the venue.   The Lyttelton, a traditional-style proscenium arch theatre with excellent sightlines from every seat, which can accommodate an audience of 890.  The smallest and most flexible of the theatres is The Dorfman which has an auditorium capacity of 450 and is completely kitted out with EXE in the rig consisting of 250Kg and 350Kg units. All the additional EXE inventory is used as flying fleet for different shows in the respective venues as required.  The National Theatre also boasts spacious foyers, two learning spaces and an events hire venue on the South Bank of the Thames, close to Covent Garden and the West End.
 
The EXE investment has been part of an ongoing upgrade and refurbishment programme which the venue has been undertaking over the last few years. The recent inventory of EXE 500Kg units are fitted with special hook attachments for ease and compatibility with the grids across the venue.
 
 
 
 
 
EXE Technology's chain hoists, known for their reliability and precision, are designed to handle stage movements with ease, offering:
 

• Load Capacity: Capable of handling loads with exceptional control, allowing for more ambitious set designs and intricate stagecraft.
• Enhanced Safety Features: Equipped with advanced safety mechanisms, the hoists reduce manual intervention and minimize risks for stage crews, ensuring a safer working environment.
• Seamless Automation: The hoists integrate with the theatre’s digital control systems.
• Precision Control: With advanced motion control technology, the chain hoists offer unparalleled precision, allowing for lifting and positioning of set pieces and lighting rigs.

 
Jim Harlow, Rigging Resources Supervisor at The National Theatre said: “The hoists' greatest asset are the user-friendly flip handles making for easy handling, especially in the tight confines of our studio grid. Having the 350Kg and 250Kg units use the same compact body make for powerful and versatile units.  The flexibility in EXE designing a slimline hook with full technical documentation to suit our grid slots as a product option demonstrates excellent customer service, responding directly to customer needs.  The compact lightweight design, quiet operation, simple limit setting and ergonomic handles make the EXE Rise ideal for theatre.”
 
The integration of EXE Technology’s chain hoists not only elevates the artistic possibilities for The National Theatre, but also improves operational efficiency. The additional investment in EXE Technology ensures that the National Theatre can continue pushing the boundaries of creativity, while maintaining the highest safety and technical standards.
 
Matt Millward, Head of Automation, Area Four Direct UK concludes: “The rigging department at the National Theatre are fantastic to work with, their technical astuteness and out of the box thinking created a great collaboration that resulted in different chain hook attachments for some of their EXE Rise fleet. The modification was required to enable the hoists' chain to be passed through the grid in a venue and a solution was found utilising alternative chain attachments of appropriate size. The EXE Medium frame 350Kg units were selected due to their size-to-weight ratio, which perfectly suited the confined spaces in the grid loft, allowing for ease of installation and manoeuvrability once inside the grid space.”