Following the success of her ITV2 sketch show Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show, the eponymous comedienne has got her Big Ass out on the road (so to speak), performing a stage version in theatres and arts centres throughout the UK. A key part of the technical production is a package of Sennheiser microphones and wireless equipment.
Running from mid-April to mid-June, the shows comprise songs and dance routines, as well as straight stand-up comedy. With everyone from the Queen to Amy Winehouse the butt of Brand’s humour, the bottom line for the show’s promoters Mick Perrin Productions (MPP) was that Brand’s wide-ranging styles of delivery had to be crystal clear at every seat, despite the venues ranging widely in size and design.
Through previous tours, Sennheiser has built a successful and close working relationship with MPP and Sennheiser product has become a ubiquitous part of the production company’s touring equipment.
For the more sedate parts of the performance, an SKM 935 handheld microphone provides the required fidelity and reliability. But a hands-free option was vital for much of the show – but one that wasn’t going to let the production down during some fairly vigorous routines. For this, event manager Nick Handford settled on the MKE2 lavalier microphone, with SK 500 transmitter pack.
“Much of the show is fast moving and energetic, which sees Katy singing, dancing and running about all over the stage. The show is fast paced and has no less than 15 quick costume changes, some done in 15 seconds. So, with Sennheiser’s help, we auditioned various headsets and lavalier mic options,” says Nick.
“The important factors were audio quality, ease of placement during costume changes and the need for a robust unit that wasn’t going to let us down half way through a vigorous dance routine. Plus, of course, it also had to be comfortable for Katie to wear. The MKE 2 with SK 500 wireless transmitter provided the ideal solution.”
Sennheiser UK’s Mark Saunders adds, ”We manufacture microphone and wireless systems which, we believe, can cover every eventuality – although it’s unusual for most of them to be in one show!
“We were more than happy to help MPP find the right solution for the Big Ass tour. The MKE 2 and SKM 500-935s are both ideal mics, deliver great audio quality and they are easily robust enough to cope with the demands of a high energy show with multiple costume changes.”
