Fired up
What : The BRIT Awards Where : The O2 arena When : 8 February 2022 Image : JM Enternational
Following a reduced-capacity version last year as part of the Government ’ s Events Research Programme , this year ’ s BRIT Awards returned in style .
The televised and streamed show at the AEG-owned and operated O2 arena was , as ever , organised by recorded music industry trade body the BPI . It proved a spectacular production with aerial performers , huge pylons and fire-breathing guitars just a few of the many eye-catching elements .
BPI director of events & charities Maggie Crowe OBE and her team , the BRITs Committee and Block 9 / Swear Studios had been working on the event since last June . The BRIT-shaped pylons , by acclaimed designer Stephen Gallagher , provided the statement set pieces around which each artist ’ s creative team could work and bring their own artistic vision to life .
Overseeing the production was Papilo Productions directors Kate Wright and Lisa Shenton on behalf of BRIT Awards Productions . The other crucial cogs in the machine included Nine Yard Productions technical director Tony Wheeler , band production manager Maggie Mouzakitis , technical designer Malcolm Birkett , TV director
Phil Heyes , lighting director Tom Sutherland , PRG Lighting ’ s Richard Gorrod and sound designer Colin Pink .
The BRIT Awards production involved around 2,500 event professionals across the usual array of major event skill sets including riggers , sound , lighting , design , local crew , caterers and security . Some 30 companies were contracted to supply the event , including Stageco , Four-Square Productions , Showstars , Stage Monkeys and Blackout Ltd .
Says Crowe , “ The BRITs wouldn ’ t be The BRITs without certain key characters bringing their backstage sparkle and banter to the proceedings : the formidable and adorable Kim Davenport from Eat Your Hearts Out ; the patient and fun Chris Saunders of Ogle Hog ; our health & safety guru Jools Bentley and handling accreditation Ginger Owls ’ Julie and Nancy – enduring the many dazed and confused who first arrive to site .
“ After eight days , when the whole infrastructure finally comes together , we greet the show hosts and the artists and their teams to come and rehearse and get themselves ready and in the zone .
“ The beauty of The BRITs is that the high level of professionalism contracted across the event production means that each artist and their teams can create their own bespoke performance piece within the backdrop of the overall themed core set .”
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