In the beginning of 2025, The Next Stage were contacted by Production Manager Chris Vaughn with the exciting news that Take That were to revive their iconic Circus Tour.

 

With three of the team here at TNS being heavily involved with the design and build of the original production back in 2009, we were honoured to accept the challenge of being the main contractor for the main stage as well as many other elements.

 

 The main stage was designed using our own TNS frame, beam and decking system,    allowing for a large open underworld space beneath the stage. This provided the all-important room required for the performer changing rooms and prop storage which in turn were seamlessly transported to the stage level on a custom manufactured 8’ x 8’ lift.

   

Linking into the main stage were the stage left and stage right circular band platforms, 

each consisting of a large tech area to the underside and stair assembly enabling the 

various technicians to carry out their duties.

 

Extending from the front of the main stage was the 40-meter-long multi-use catwalk. When raised, the platform is a runway for both performers/band members and props to transverse from the main stage to b-stage. When lowered, the catwalk turned into a track guiding both the lozenge cart and elephant lift from stage to stage.

 

The 12-meter diameter B-stage was manufactured using the same TNS system. Incorporating six hydraulic driven petal decks that opened and closed to reveal and conceal the elephant, as well as eight step units each designed and built to accommodate the 700 litres of water needed for the integrated fountain effects.

 

As part of the design brief and considering the ever-changing uk weather, as well as the huge fountain effects, we applied TNS’s very own nonslip paint to all stage and performer surfaces on which the amazing Catherine and team finished with a hand painted scenic artwork finish.