System Technician – Sophie Ellis-Bextor – Kitchen Disco UK Theatre Tour 2022
End Client: Senbla | Technical Provider: CS Audio
In 2022, I worked as the System Technician on the UK theatre tour for Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Kitchen Disco show, delivering a Martin Audio WPS audio system, design, deployed and optimisationed for each venue across a 17-date run. This tour brought the energy of the Kitchen Disco brand into mid-scale theatres (1,500–3,000 capacity), requiring a flexible and consistent approach to system design in a wide range of venue types.
Audio System & Technology
The tour was built around a Martin Audio WPS line array system, configured per venue using:
- Main System: Martin Audio WPS
- Subwoofers: SXCF118 & SXH218
- Amplification: iK42
- Processing: Onboard DSP (DISPLAY presets loaded per show)
- Prediction Software: DISPLAY
- Measurement & Tuning: Smaart
Additional integration included use of house PA systems for balcony delays or under-balcony fills where required, ensuring full coverage in complex theatre layouts.
---
Key Responsibilities
- Venue-by-venue PA system design and prediction adjustment
- Measurement and acoustic analysis of each space
- Full deployment of flown PA systems, including subs, front fills, and outfills
- Integration with house PA systems where necessary
- System tuning and optimisation using Smaart
- Time alignment of all system elements for coherent coverage
- Acting as lead PA technician (“PA grown-up”) during load-in and setup
- Supporting FOH during the show and mixing support act Holiday Sidewinder
---
Touring Challenges & Venues
Working across UK theatres presented a range of acoustic and logistical challenges:
- London Palladium – standout show with full band and family audience presence
- De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea – compact room requiring careful system scaling
- Symphony Hall Birmingham – complex balcony interactions and tight PA positioning
Key challenges included:
- Adapting system design for tight theatre spaces and balcony-heavy layouts
- Managing sightline constraints while maintaining optimal coverage
- Ensuring consistent performance despite varying rigging positions and room acoustics
---
Results & Performance
- Delivered consistent system performance across 17 venues
- Maintained tonal consistency using multi-track references and repeatable system design
- Achieved strong feedback from production, band, and engineers
- Successfully covered audiences ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 capacity
---
Additional Equipment & Integration
- Consoles: DiGiCo
- RF Systems: Sennheiser
- Monitor Comms: Command mode in oppertation with Duncan on monitor world
---
Summary
This project highlights strong experience in theatre touring audio, line array system deployment, and real-world acoustic problem solving, delivering consistent results in a fast-moving live production environment.