A Redruth manufacturer has been playing its part in the National Theatre’s latest Shakespeare production.
The world-renowned National Theatre is staging Macbeth and approached European Springs & Pressings to develop springs that enhanced the sound production of the performance.
Simon Allen, instrument maker and sonic bricolage for Macbeth at the National Theatre, said: “We were looking to procure some large tension and compression springs to use as musical instruments, played on stage by two professional musicians. I approached European Springs & Pressings with the need to develop a bespoke solution.
“Built into the infrastructure of the stage set, the springs are struck, bowed and scraped with amplification. Although there are instances of car springs and extension springs being used for sound effects, bowing springs is a rarity; and with the right specifications we’d achieve a unique sound quality.”
Michael Gibbs, MD of the Cornish factory, added: “Our springs and wire forms are used across multiple industries for multiple purposes from automotive to shipping, oil rigs to the medical industry, but this really is a first.
“The spring really is the most versatile of products and its engineering is at the heart of so many sectors.”
Macbeth, played by Rory Kinnear, and Lady Macbeth, played by Anne-Marie Duff, is directed by the director of the National Theatre, Rufus Norris. It is running until June 23, playing live in cinemas across the UK on May 10.
