Take That: The Circus Live – Summer 2026

The stage lift moved performers and scenic from understage to stage level.

The 36-metre causeway connected the main stage to the B-stage, the steel base first fabricated in our metal shop, with others adding the top deck.

The lozenge (stage cart), powered by a friction motor and concealed under the main stage, was used to transport performers and scenic up and down the causeway from one set to the other.

The elephant cart or e-cart delivered the movement of the elephant, which arose from under the main stage, travelled along the causeway, and lowered to fit under the B-stage to be concealed once again.

The final piece of the set design was the B-stage, its top formed of six individual panels, or ‘petals’. We delivered the automation of the petals, so that the stage top could be opened and closed as required throughout the show.

Tourability requires simplicity and efficiency in order to achieve a quick in and out, yet products must be robust enough to ensure swift movement from one venue to the next.

That’s what we delivered.

High Quality Performance

All items were designed to deliver high levels of performance and to endure the duration of the tour. All EN 17206 compliant in reassurance that mechanical calculations are correct, and that all risk assessments and performance level assessments have been completed to meet industry regulations. Including FAT testing and soak testing at our premises prior to delivery.

Efficiency in Build and Breakdown

The assemblies were designed in large but manageable sections, sufficient for transportation whilst minimising the number of parts involved. Designed with pins instead of bolts where possible to ensure quicker build up and breakdown, and easier access to component parts within the structures should there have been any need for investigation.

All parts were easily identifiable to simplify reassembly; each numbered and labelled, with a specified location where applicable (cables, handsets etc), and colour coded to group connecting items together. And we built custom flight cases to protect items during transit.

Simplicity in Design and Operation

For this tour, the client requested simple, manual show control. There was no requirement for time-code cues, the automation would be triggered by crew and performers who would execute the moves as and when they were required.

Whilst this may be efficient on site, it can be more complicated to deliver during design and manufacture. For example, system parameters such as speed and travel need to be pre-programmed, compared to situations involving an operator who would have full control over the system and would adjust these parameters according to site conditions.

We designed control systems that in the form of basic handsets, a small Pelicase design with flip buttons, for example controlling only the up and down of the lift, and only the speed and direction of the lozenge traverse.

Training and Support

As on site crew would be operating the system, operational controls were designed to be as simple as possible. We trained the site crew within one day, outlining the main components, how they worked, their safety systems, and we carried out trouble shooting to pre-empt any potential issues.

To support the tour, we had a small team on site for the first two show dates, to oversee not to operate. And we carried out a mid-tour inspection to monitor the equipment, assessing operational safety and efficiency.