Profiles

Alasdair Elliot is Creative Director for Water Sculptures in Morecambe... a company that specialises in supplying water displays of all different styles and sizes - from fancy signage, to live shows with Take That - to the opening of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

We found out more...

Tell us a bit about the Water Sculptures company...

The company was formed 35 years ago by Byll Elliot who prior to that had been employed for 20 years by a Scottish theatrical producer who specialised in designing water features for pantomimes and summer shows throughout the U.K. and abroad. Spectacular scenes eg The Fountains of Trevi, The Dambusters, sinking ships cabins, and comedy bathroom scenes were all part of the company’s remit.

The company is now run by three siblings: Louise (Financial Director) William (Technical Director) and me (Creative Director) along with four other employees and of course Byll. Although still strongly theatre based we have now diversified into the hire and supply of features and control equipment for corporate events, exhibition displays for manufacturing companies, motor shows, Ideal Homes exhibition etc., and large scale outdoor events. Water Sculptures also carry out many permanent features which can be seen in many towns and cities around the U.K.

What's the process for designing a feature?

In both the event or construction industry a production designer or architect would contact us to discuss a concept, and their outline drawings would be sent to us. After initial meetings, amended design drawings are sent back and forth until all the issues are ironed out.

Byll, Louise, Alasdair & William

Once final designs are agreed we offer to develop this through to a scaled down working prototype so the client can see how it could look before producing the effect  full scale ready for installation.

Who have you designed for?

Close consultation with major production companies have produced large scale spectacles including the Opening Ceremony for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, H M the Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, major productions in Malaysia and the Middle East, large scale effects for the National Theatre and Royal Opera House Covent Garden and the flooding of the complete Arena of the Albert Hall for the Productions of Madame Butterfly and Showboat.

What are they made from?

They can be simply jets, cascades and plumes of water, or any materials which will be enhanced by the use of water, including slate, glass, marble, natural stone, copper, stainless steel and acrylic.

Take That Ultimate Tour

How much water is used in a typical feature?

Amounts range from 200 litres for a small party rental item, to 60,000 litres, the approximate amount used at the Albert Hall. During these productions all the water is recycled.

Water and electricity - how do you avoid the obvious dangers?

This is achieved in most cases by using low voltage waterproof LED lighting also all equipment is protected using residual current circuit breakers which will cause disconnection of electrical supply should a residual current passing through the device exceed a specified level.

Is a lot of maintenance needed?

Maintenance is of major importance, as water quality is paramount.  Water Sculptures are fully conversant with all the hazards relating to this in regard to health and safety.

How do stage shows differ from stationary installations?

Stage shows are usually in position for a limited period with a limited budget and in a limited space. We build these effects with this in mind, making the equipment as simple and easy to operate as possible. Permanent installations need to be built with longevity in mind.

Can different features invoke different feelings?

Private clients normally prefer quiet relaxing features, slow moving and gentle flows, with the professional designers going for the more “over the top” displays like a white water themed rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach!

©2008 Malcolm Ian Ltd Flashdance® & ©Paramount Pic

Tell us a bit about the Take That stage show - and the Flashdance show you were involved in...

For Take That's Ultimate Tour (not the theatrical production) we supplied a water screen (water falling from 12m) that Robbie’s image was projected onto for a number in the show and then a torrential rain effect used for the finale which was absolutely amazing. They used two tons of fresh water every show. All the pumps filters and solenoid valves were controlled via a small DMX control desk by one of the show's operators. 

For Flashdance we were asked to design the effect where water showers down onto the stage over Alex (Victoria Hamilton-Barritt) for one of the most iconic scenes from the 1983 movie. To this end we had to design and build a very compact effect which had to fit into a small space under a flying bridge. It included a stainless steel tank with heating element to warm the water, feed pump and electric solenoid valve to provide an instant on/off and a remote control unit so the crew could operate it from stage level.

Has a client ever asked for something that's made you think "that's impossible?"

The parting of the Red Sea!

The opening of the Commonwealth Games

Which project has been the most challenging?

The opening of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, involving 54 dancers dancing around five stages with water piped on flexible hoses into the back of their costumes then delivered on synchronized cues via DMX switching to spray jets fitted to their fingers, heads, shoulders and waists while they danced!

This involved seven months preparatory work for a 97 second finale to the opening ceremony not to mention the pressure of being watched by an estimated one billion television viewers from 71 Commonwealth countries - no second chances here, live TV! We only had one ‘wet’ rehearsal the day before the main event!  Luckily it all worked without a hitch!

Which feature you most proud of?

Every job gives us pride. We are proud of all our efforts and have a fantastic track record. We always try to ‘over deliver’.

Any disasters?

Not a one - yet!