Birmingham Hippodrome Calls on Unusual for Overhead Access Innovation

20th May 2025

When Birmingham Hippodrome needed a permanent way to access overhead theatre lanterns, Chris Moore, Director of Operations for the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust called upon the expertise of Unusual Rigging to devise an innovative solution for the Grade II listed venue.

Working above an active flying system in one of the UK’s busiest theatres is bound to present some logistical challenges — but it’s all in a day’s work for the Unusual team. With a tight ten-day window and a full-scale production of Only Fools and Horses underway below, the team, led by Unusual’s senior project manager, Toby Starkie and senior engineering rigger, Callum Willoughby devised a meticulous installation programme that kept disruption to an absolute minimum.

Two bespoke steel and GRP access platforms were designed and fabricated in-house at Unusual’s HQ and research centre in Northampton, with components prepared off-site where possible, to streamline the on-site build. The materials for the platforms were craned into position from street level — a manoeuvre which required collaboration with the local council to work around loading embargoes, and all load-ins were signed off by structural engineers ahead of loading materials onto the roof.

“One of the key successes of this project was our early engagement with stakeholders,” said Toby.“We worked closely with the venue team, structural engineers and local authorities from the outset. That trust and alignment meant we could install two major platforms directly above the flying system — while a live production ran beneath — without compromising safety or schedule.”

In a nod to sustainable thinking and Unusual’s commitment to the circular economy, the team also repurposed a set of legacy Unusual pulleys once used to brail fly bars. These were cleverly redirected to maintain lantern functionality through the new GRP floor, preserving theatre operations while breathing new life into older equipment.

The result is a solid, long-term solution that improves access, prioritises safety, and made smart use of what was already there. Every detail — from the prep work to the lift plan — was thought through to make the process as smooth as possible, both for the venue and the team working around it.

“We’re really proud of the way this came together,” concluded Toby. “It’s a great example of how careful planning, strong relationships, and a bit of creative thinking can deliver something practical, safe, and built to last.”