Wicked memories at the Apollo Victoria Theatre
On Saturday 24th May, our HR Director Estee enjoyed a special day out with her daughter Marley, attending a performance of “Wicked” at the iconic Apollo Victoria Theatre in London.
The show – a West End favourite for nearly 20 years, didn’t just delight Estee and Marley. It also brought back some memories for Warren’s Founder Owner, Richard Bridgman, who recalled a unique experience from behind the scenes…
In 2006, Warren was commissioned to build a BT390 Winch for the show – a substantial piece of kit that needed to be installed in the roof space of the Apollo Victoria. It was a job that presented one challenge after another, as Richard shared:
“We assembled the winch in Thetford, then disassembled it to transport to site. It was Leeroy and myself – I drove down and parked outside the theatre, only to be met by a traffic warden who told me I couldn’t park there as it was a Red Route. She gave me a hefty parking fine on the spot. I said, ‘Well BU**ER you!’ and just started unloading. What else could I do?”
The winch had to be carried – in pieces – up several flights of stairs, as the theatre’s lift was out of order. Richard and Leeroy were helped by other contractors on site, but the biggest challenge was lifting the huge drum up narrow stairwells using straps, teamwork and sheer determination.
“Once we got everything up there, we reassembled it in the tightest space imaginable. It was sweltering hot. No lifting gear. But somehow, we managed it.”
To this day, that same winch is still up in the roof space – working reliably after nearly two decades. Proof if ever it were needed, of Warren’s quality in action.
“I later went to see the show with Sharon,” said Richard, “and didn’t really enjoy it – but plenty of people must, because it’s still running!”
We’re happy to report that Estee and Marley thoroughly enjoyed the performance – a fantastic mother-daughter day out and a reminder of how Warren’s work can often be found in the most surprising places.
From Thetford to the West End – Warren engineering continues to play its part in spectacular ways!
