Photo of a squash player celebrating with a crowd watching

Celebrating Squash

 

The British Open – one of the most prestigious and historic tournaments in professional squash – returned to Birmingham for the first time in over two decades at Birmingham Rep and Edgbaston Priory Club on April 9-16 2023.

We were delighted to work alongside Professional Squash Association for another year – our team of project managers, video technicians and lighting designers were tasked with creating an immersive environment to showcase professional sporting talent.

The Player Entrance was decorated in Chauvet EPIX Strips and Elumen8 LED Endura 18Q5’s – this provided a sustainable but effective element to the production.

We also used a variety of lighting options around the court controlled by our Avolites Sapphire Touch to add depth and dimension, including: Ayrton Karif LT, Chauvet Rogue Outcast 1 Beamwash, Chauvet Maverick MK2 Wash and Spectra QX40. 

We also included a wide range of production equipment, such as Flown Projector Screens and ground- supported LED Walls.

“It was a brilliant event, and I am very proud of what the team achieved to make it happen!”
John Richards – Senior Video Technician and Hybrid Virtual Lead
British open squash tournament with two woman playing against each other with photographers in the back
Image of the British Open squash conference room
Photo of hands up in the crowd whilst a man is playing the guitar
Image of two men talking at the PSA with a crowd behind them

“The British Open is an event I look forward to year after year – Firefly always aim to incorporate every element of the client’s requirements into reality.

My role included working alongside the client to ensure everything from a technical perspective was considered. This also included assisting with stage changeovers for various acts, show calling, and operating all the video production equipment.

It was crucial that the audience could see the entire court, so it was up to Tom (our Head of Technical) and myself to incorporate a complete production package without disturbing the sight-lines to the glass court.

One of the requirements was to create a Player Entrance with a production element included. This involved designing multiple ways of including a temporary structure to support the lighting equipment. Safe to say, the team manage to pull it off! This completely changed the way the players were introduced onto the court, and created an electric atmosphere for the players and the audience members.”

“It was a brilliant event, and I am very proud of what the team achieved to make it happen!”

John Richards – Senior Video Technician and Hybrid Virtual Lead

 

Photographs by: Steve Cubbins

Image of a lady playing Squash at the British open Squash tournament 2023