Shakespeare’s Globe, the world-renowned performing arts venue in London, recently implemented Riedel Communications’ Bolero intercom system to drive communications for its two theaters, the Globe Theatre and the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Shakespeare’s Globe is an historic recreation of London’s original Globe Theatre, which was constructed in 1599, for which William Shakespeare wrote his plays. The reconstructed theater is located on the south bank of the River Thames and has a maximum capacity of 1,573 (873 seated plus 700 standing). Located on an adjacent property, the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is a candle-lit, 340-capacity replica of an indoor Jacobean theater.
As a stunning example of living history, Shakespeare’s Globe remains largely faithful to the original 1599 design. Construction avoids the use of modern structural steel, instead employing Elizabethan techniques of English oak framing with mortise and tenon joints and wooden bench seating. The stage features a large thrust with “groundling” spectators standing in the open pit surrounding the stage. As stage lighting was unknown in the 16th century, performances are presented during the day, with the open roof design allowing natural sunlight illumination for the shows.
The Comm Solution
Although the theater maintains historical accuracy in its productions, certain modern amenities — such as a fire sprinkler system, lobby area, gift shop and dressing rooms — were essential to its operations. Another nod to 21st century technology was the choice of Riedel Communications’ Bolero wireless intercom system. That decision was based on Bolero’s successful track record in other show environments, its alignment with industry standards among major theatrical counterparts, and the exceptional support provided by the Riedel team. The solution has seamlessly integrated into the theater’s business strategy, elevating the support provided to stage management teams and enabling them to deliver performances with clear and reliable communication.
About Bolero
Bolero’s high-clarity voice codec provides both higher speech intelligibility and more efficient use of RF spectrum, supporting twice the number of beltpacks per antenna for the same radio bandwidth as other DECT-based systems. Additionally, Riedel-exclusive ADR technology combines a unique receiver design with multiple diversity elements specifically designed to reduce sensitivity to multipath reflections, making Bolero useable in challenging RF environments (such as Shakespeare’s Globe) where other systems have great difficulty.
The beltpack itself features six intercom channels and a separate “Reply” button for a quick reply to the last caller.
One key feature, which can be appreciated by anyone working in an outdoor environment — such as Shakespeare’s Globe’s open sky areas — is Bolero’s sunlight-readable and dimmable display that can be rotated so it’s readable in any orientation. Also, in an industry first, the beltpack can be used without a headset like a walkie-talkie radio, utilizing an integrated mic and speaker.
Another plus is that Bolero beltpacks support Bluetooth, allowing connection to either a Bluetooth headset or a Smartphone. When a Smartphone is connected, the beltpack can act like a car’s “hands free” setup so users can receive calls on their phone and talk and listen via their beltpack headset. Users can also inject phone calls directly into the intercom channels, providing new levels of workflow flexibility.
Based on Riedel’s extensive Managed Technologies experience, the beltpack uses a combination of premium materials, including high-impact plastics and rubber overmolds, making it both tough and comfortable to use in any situation.
Meeting Challenges
By enabling seamless roaming and clean, excellent audio quality, Bolero addresses the main challenges of communication within and across these live theater environments, adding a new level of efficiency, clarity, and collaboration for stage management, rehearsals, and show running.
“The range and clarity of Riedel’s Bolero intercom system have significantly enhanced our communication capabilities, transforming the way we manage our performances,” said Charli Hurford, senior technician at Shakespeare’s Globe. “The technology’s seamless roaming and plug-and-play functionality have eliminated the need for troubleshooting, resulting in more efficient technical rehearsals and smoother show running. This system has proven to be an essential tool for our stage management teams, enabling us to provide unparalleled support and deliver outstanding performances.”
By adopting the Bolero system, Shakespeare’s Globe has streamlined its workflows, resulting in increased efficiency and resource optimization. With the dramatic improvement in the range and clarity of communication across both venues, the performing arts venue simultaneously reduced the required number of antennas from nine to three. The limited need for troubleshooting has eliminated downtime and waiting periods, ensuring technical rehearsals proceed seamlessly. Incorporating the Bolero system also yielded financial savings, eliminating the need for a standby technician during technical rehearsals and thereby reallocating resources more efficiently overall.
Moreover, the Bolero system has enabled Shakespeare’s Globe to rely on communication cues for complex sequences, adding an extra layer of failsafe to their performances. During the venue’s winter season, the interconnectivity between the Globe Theatre and the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse played a vital role in the production of The Winter’s Tale, which spanned both venues. Additionally, the system’s reliability shined in large-scale filmed events, where flawless communication is essential for smooth coordination.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Shakespeare’s Globe in providing our Bolero intercom system, enhancing their iconic performances and contributing to their success,” said Nacho Lee, U.K. sales manager for theater and industry at Riedel Communications. “Our technology’s ability to seamlessly bridge communication gaps in live performance environments aligns perfectly with Shakespeare’s Globe’s commitment to excellence. We look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting their endeavors.”
For more information, visit www.riedel.net.
