Riedel Communications today announced that Shakespeare’s Globe, the world-renowned performing arts venue in London, has implemented Riedel’s Bolero intercom system to drive communications for its two theatres, the Globe and the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. By enabling seamless roaming and unparalleled audio quality, the 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 9 to 3. 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 has shone in large-scale filmed events, where flawless communication is essential for smooth coordination.
Shakespeare’s Globe chose Riedel’s Bolero intercom system based on its 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.
“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 Theatre 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.”
