Mulberry Grove Ltd Lighting Design and AV Technical Services

We have three 'rules of thumb' when working with pyrotechnics:

Safety, fun and value for money!

After starting out as a lighting designer, Paul quickly found that clients ask you for any number of things in the call of duty. After one or two had asked for simple stage effects to go with their shows, he quickly began to realise what an impact well placed pyrotechnics could make on a show. He also realised that as much training as possible in the safe operation and planning of pyro shows was going to be necessary, which led to him undertaking a BTEC in Pyrotechnics in the year 2000.

He made friends with his local manufacturer, Skyhigh Stage Effects Ltd and learned as much as he could about how their products worked. Growing from there, our experience now means that Mulberry Grove can provide everything from a single effect to a show filling the Albert Hall.

Things to decide and find out before you phone your pyro technican:

1. Don't leave it too late to plan. You should be thinking about your pyro at the same time as you book your venue - springing a pyro request on your venue at the last minute is a good way to get a negative answer.
2. Get approval in principle from the venue Conference and Banqueting Manager. Preferably in writing. Your pyro technican will also need their contact details.
3. Have a think about what effect you are trying to achieve. I.e. A pretty finale? A loud surprise? A pretty surprise?
4. Find out the following information:
   • Roof height
   • Set plan
5. Then, phone us! From there, we can discuss with you what you would like to acheive artistically. Then we can sort out all the niggly, worrying details that might be concerning you, or the venue, about a show that includes pyrotechnics, leaving you and your audience to enjoy the results.

Pyrotechnics FAQ's

Q: Pyrotechnics? That's fireworks isn't it?
A: No. Fireworks take place outside. Pyrotechnics or 'pyro', are smaller stage effects that take place inside.

Q: Isn't that dangerous?
A: Although all pyrotechnics have a small element of risk, shows and events are so well planned and assessed by our qualified pyro designer that almost certainly, driving your car to the event is less safe.

Q: A pyrotechnic effect is expensive, right?
A: No, not really. Excellent effects can be achieved on a tight budget. What you'd like to achieve is the key, not how much you spend.

Q: Doesn't the smoke set all the fire alarms off?
A: This can be dealt with by our technical team. Liasing with the venue in advance and during the event makes sure that the show runs smoothly and safely.

Q: Doesn't it require lots of space?
A: Again, not necessarily. Some effects create very little heat indeed, some none at all. Any situation can be designed for.

Q: Do I need to be insured?
A: You don't have to be. Our trained staff are insured so that you don't need to worry.

Q: I've no idea what I want.
A: That's fine, we can point you to some ideas. All you need is to want to make an impression!