A long-term investment in silent performance technology enhances creative possibilities for productions, visiting companies and audiences alike.
Hull Truck Theatre has strengthened its lighting inventory with the addition of Chauvet Maverick Silens X1 fixtures, supplied by White Light (WL), enabling the venue to deliver greater creative flexibility while meeting the unique demands of its diverse programme of productions and events.
As one of the region’s leading producing theatres and receiving houses, Hull Truck Theatre plays a vital role in the cultural life of the city. With a programme that spans in-house productions, touring performances, community engagement activities and educational initiatives, the venue requires technology that is both versatile and dependable.
Mathew Clowes, Technical Manager at Hull Truck Theatre, led the investment to address the need for fixtures capable of supporting a wide range of performance styles while remaining unobtrusive within a theatre environment. The venue’s thrust-stage configuration presents particular challenges in minimising light and sound spill, making quiet operation a key requirement.
After evaluating several options with WL’s Business Development Manager, Paul Botham, the Chauvet Maverick Silens X1 Profile emerged as the ideal solution.
“Background noise level was a key factor, as well as unit cost,” explained Mathew Clowes. “Moving lights are often far too loud to be hung front of house in a theatre. The Chauvet Silens X1 Profile are practically silent, even while moving, whilst also maintaining a good level of features and brightness at an attractive price point.”
The investment, supported through public funding from Arts Council England, will eventually replace the theatre’s ageing fleet of moving lights and provide designers with a wider creative toolkit.
Working closely with the team at WL, Hull Truck Theatre was able to undertake a thorough evaluation process. WL provided feature and cost comparisons across multiple solutions, helping the theatre make an informed decision based on its technical and operational requirements. Demonstrations from Chauvet and responsive support throughout the specification process ensured the project progressed smoothly from concept to delivery.
One of the standout qualities of the Maverick Silens X1 Profile has been its exceptionally quiet operation.
“The silence. It’s genuinely creepy,” said Mathew Clowes. “They’re so quiet that you wouldn’t know they were operating, even when standing beside them while they’re in motion.”
Alongside its near-silent performance, features such as variable frost and framing shutters have already begun transforming the venue’s lighting capabilities. The addition of moving profiles provides designers with greater flexibility, while reducing the reliance on traditional fixtures for special lighting positions.
The fixtures first saw action during a production of Oliver Twist, where feedback from the lighting designer and programmer proved highly positive. Since their installation in July, the fixtures have been in daily use, receiving strong approval from the theatre’s technical team.
Commenting on the impact of the investment, Mathew Clowes concluded:
“This long-term investment will greatly improve Hull Truck Theatre’s inventory offering to lighting designers and visiting companies to provide great art and entertainment to the city of Hull.”
By combining innovative technology with collaborative expertise, the project ensures Hull Truck Theatre is well placed to continue supporting artists, engaging audiences and delivering exceptional productions for years to come.
Photo courtesy of Hull Truck Theatre
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