Theatre / News
Old Vic tests 18th century surround sound
Bristol Old Vic has been testing a historic piece of theatrical equipment that’s been described as the 18th century’s answer to surround-sound.
The thunder run, a feat of Georgian technology that hasn’t been in use since the early 1940s, will be returned to its former glory in time for a major milestone for the institution, with hopes that it can be used to create the sound of thunder from above in some of the theatre’s upcoming shows just as it did centuries ago.
The run consists of a series of wooden tunnels nestled high up in the rafters of the theatre ceiling, and when the effect of a storm is required during a performance a collection of balls of various sizes are rolled down the tunnels by hand to create a thunderous roar in the auditorium below. Particularly effective due to it’s positioning, the run was a common way of creating atmosphere in 18th century theatres, long before the time of digital effects.
Preliminary tests were carried out by theatre historian David Wilmore on Monday, and Old Vic technicians are currently experimenting with different techniques for enriching the quality and volume of the sound as it travels down to the unsuspecting audience below.
The historic restoration comes as Bristol Old Vic prepare to celebrate their 250th anniversary, and is part of a landmark project that aims to bring the heritage of the UK’s oldest working theatre to life through a series of refurbishments, restorations and special programmes in 2016.