The decision to replace fluorescent tubes with LED Light Sheet was made both for aesthetic reasons and to improve the energy efficiency of the signage and branding system. The LED Light Sheet signage draws 1514W in comparison to 9904W of the previous system to deliver an annual reduction of almost 46000kWh, a drop of 85%. Representing an annual saving of £3,900 to the theatre’s energy bill, the system reduces maintenance costs into the bargain.
Ian Drinkwater, Applelec’s managing director, comments: ‘The retrofitted system employs newly launched Series 2 LED Light Sheet which is 20% brighter than our first generation panels. This great project highlights the versatility of LED Light Sheet and the energy savings possible with this light system in comparison to fluorescent tubes.’
Bright, even illumination to the projecting signage and light-boxes was the primary objective of the project with controversial musical, The Book of Mormon, recently debuting at the theatre. The venue’s large, four metre square, light-box and entrance door-streamer are curved fixtures which have been illuminated by faceting multiple panels of LED Light Sheet; a technique that’s often employed to illuminate large curved installations.
The fluorescent tube system was originally installed for the musical Mamma Mia, which ran for 10 years at the theatre. The lighting created various maintenance issues as changing the fluorescent tubes regularly involved a night time road closure and the hire of access equipment for Newman Displays. For The Book of Mormon show, scaffolding was installed to fit the new Led Light Sheet system which features a 3 year warranty and has been manufactured with an IP67 rating to ensure it is protected against exterior conditions. Future changes to graphics can be managed with the use of cherry pickers or by a fitter abseiling down the building.
In total 30 Series 2 LED Light Sheet units were used throughout the installation which includes the attention-grabbing large scale feature light-box, two 7.5 metre long double-sided light-boxes positioned vertically along the sides of the building, a curved streamer above the theatre’s door, and a small double-sided projecting sign.
