The Regent Centre is a 505-seat cinema and theatre that sits in the heart of Christchurch, Dorset.
Having first opened its door back in 1931, it still thrives today as a non-profit, multi-purpose venue
with live music, comedy and community performance shows which help bring in over 100,000
visitors every year. Following a mechanical inspection, it was decided that the venue required both a
replacement of its auditorium chain hoist system as well as a brand-new wing-masking system with
curtain tracks and drapes – with all of this work being carried out by Solutions On Stage.

Solutions On Stage were first contacted by the Regent Centre’s Technical Manager Scott Gurd, who
comments: “I was on the lookout for a new technical inspection company as I wanted to ensure that
our performance space was as safe and technically efficient as possible. Solutions On Stage were
recommended by my previous employer and so I reached out to them to conduct an initial site visit.
My main concern was with the chain hoists within our venue as I was worried they didn’t meet
current industry standards”.

Following this, Solution On Stage’s Technical Director Darren Williams soon visited the Regent Centre where he confirmed this was indeed the case. He comments: “From just an initial inspection, we could confirm that the chain hoists which suspended the front of house truss needed replacing.
We also inspected the venue’s other technical aspects and, as a company that wants to support the
life cycle of the spaces we work in, suggested they install a track to then rig the moveable masking
within their wings. For the Regent’s convenience, we could also facilitate this alongside their chain
hoist installation”.

Solutions On Stage had to supply and install a complete replacement chain hoist lifting system for
the venue’s auditorium lighting bridge, incorporating new equipment, and the required electrical
infrastructure. This comprised of 2x GIS LP500 D8+ chain hoists and a wall mounted Guardian
Controller with a 2-channel low voltage control system, complete with a remote handset for control.
Following the installation of the replacement hoists, the bridge was then re-flown and Solutions On
Stage commissioned the entire installation as well as performed electrical tests, load testing and
certifying accordingly.

Alongside this, the company supplied and installed a wing track masking system comprising curtain
tracks and drapes. This included 2 x 4m lengths of Curtain Track, each fitted with 3 x swivel arms
that can also be run along the track and braked in order to create different masking options. Each
swivel arm was fitted with a 2m x 6m drop black wool serge drape. In addition, 11 fly bars were cut
down in length in order to provide clearance for the new tracks. As with the chain hoist system,
Solutions On Stage commissioned the entire install, offered certification as well as training for the in-house team on how to use the equipment.

Scott comments: “The works that have been carried out by Solutions On Stage have led both myself
and the general manager to fully trust in the safety of our mechanical systems and know everything
has been carried out to the very highest of standards. The wing masking has added an extra two
metres of useable stage width which has proven to be hugely beneficial for our live shows’.

Darren adds: “We were delighted to assist The Regent Centre with their remedial works and
technical upgrades. Whenever we work in a venue, we want to ensure the entire space is not only
safety compliant but that the technical set-up allows it to achieve its full potential. We look forward
to returning to The Regent Centre to carry out their annual mechanical inspection and continuing
our relationship with them.

Scott concludes: “Our overall experience with Solutions On Stage has been excellent. Every one of
their staff that attended site was professional, knowledgeable, hard-working and friendly. I was
consulted and shown every aspect of work that was carried out and there was a great deal of
flexibility on meeting the venue’s needs – something we greatly appreciate”. 
If your performance venue requires any upgrade works, then please feel free to contact our friendly
team at enquiries@solutionsonstage.co.uk.