Unusual - Sales, Service & Engineering Solutions 2025

sales, service & engineered solutions

CONTENTS

Page 4 Page 6 Page 8 Page 10 Page 12 Page 14 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19

Theatre Museums & Galleries Engineering Significant Others Film & TV Sporting Events Servicing, Sales & Hire People & Resources Health, Safety & Certifications The Circular Economy and Ethical Citizenship

www.unusual.co.uk sales@unusual.co.uk 01604 830083

THEATRE

My Neighbour Totoro. © Manuel Harlan

At Unusual, whether we’re re-engineering a ying system, installing bespoke automation, or supporting complex scene changes, we apply the same creativity, precision, and engineering excellence to every project. Our theatre teams combine decades of hands-on production experience with world-class technical expertise. We work closely with designers, production managers, venues and creatives to deliver safe, efcient solutions — even to the most ambitious staging challenges. A standout project this year was the Royal Shakespeare Company’s My Neighbour Totoro at London’s Gillian Lynne Theatre — a production renowned for its large-scale puppetry and breathtaking scenic elements. Production manager Simon Bourne tasked us with designing, manufacturing, and installing the engineering required to adapt the venue’s grid and ying system to the show’s complex demands. This involved decommissioning much of the house counterweight system to install custom ladder beams, trusses and ying bars.

Unusual:

Removed house counterweight bars and installed new ladder beams, truss and bars Installed 58 show hoists, 56 temporary build hoists, 32 table diverts and 32 grid drops Utilised 39 house counterweight cradles and installed 67 dead hangs Used 1.5km of steel wire rope and nearly 300m of ladder beam, 44m of truss and 150m of ying bars Supported scenic elements including tree headers, forest swags, kabuki drops, LED and sound positions Managed a four-week load-in schedule, working six days a week, plus additional t-up time Deployed a 14-person on-site crew, backed by our in-house design, fabrication, motor, warehouse and project teams. More than 20 tonnes of show equipment were suspended above the stage, creating a robust, exible infrastructure that enabled the creative team to bring their magical vision to life.

www.unusual.co.uk sales@unusual.co.uk 01604 830083

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy Gallery

Exhibitions, installations and gallery refits require a unique combination of precision engineering, discreet integration and total respect for the creative vision. Whether handling priceless artefacts, monumental sculptures or immersive digital experiences, Unusual Rigging delivers bespoke structural and rigging solutions that ensure every element is installed safely, securely and exactly as curators intend. Our teams work across the UK and internationally, supporting world-class cultural institutions with behind-the-scenes engineering expertise — always delivered with a focus on conservation standards, Health and Safety, and visitor experience. At London’s Science Museum, we played a central role in delivering Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy Gallery — a new permanent exhibition exploring the future of energy, technology and climate change. Originally specified as a 1.5-tonne object, the sea turbine installation ultimately weighed in at 7.5 tonnes — presenting a significant logistical and engineering challenge. With no goods lift and no disassembly possible, the turbine had to be installed fully intact.

Unusual:

Spent eight months planning a complex, multi-phase lift Designed and built a bespoke gantry crane to hoist the turbine externally up the museum’s side Floated the piece through a glass atrium to the second floor Landed it on a custom-built truss-dolly Coordinated a 20-person manual move across the gallery floor Installed a secondary lifting frame to raise the turbine onto its final plinth Delivered the turbine fully assembled and pre-mounted on its frame Completed the entire operation over four nights with minimal site disruption Maintained safety and flexibility throughout. This flawless installation showcased precision engineering at its best, enabling the Science Museum’s bold vision to be fully realised.

www.unusual.co.uk sales@unusual.co.uk 01604 830083

ENGINEERING

Birmingham Hippodrome

At Unusual Rigging, our engineering work is as varied as it is specialised – from installing new flying systems in theatres as part of full refurbishments, to delivering crash decks and working platforms for major rail infrastructure projects. We’ve even mounted solar panels on the roofs of sports stadiums. So when Birmingham Hippodrome needed a safe, practical way to access their overhead theatre lanterns, our team was well placed to deliver a solution. This project called for more than just technical expertise – it needed precision, planning, and respect for the demands of a working theatre. Installing above an active flying system presented logistical challenges, but it’s exactly the kind of environment where our team thrives. By preparing every component off-site and coordinating the entire lift and installation sequence with care, we were able to keep disruption to an absolute minimum. We also took the opportunity to integrate a clever reuse of existing equipment. A set of old Unusual pulleys, once used by the Hippodrome to brail fly bars, were repurposed to divert the lantern operating mechanism through the new GRP floor. It’s a small touch, but one that reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainable thinking and resourceful engineering.

The Unusual team:

Built excellent relationships with key stakeholders which were crucial to the success of the project Designed and fabricated two bespoke steel and GRP access platforms Prepared all components off-site for faster installation Ensured all load-ins were checked and approved by the structural engineers Craned the completed platforms onto the theatre roof Completed the installation in ten days above the flying system, all while a production of Only Fools and Horses was taking place below Re-purposed legacy Unusual pulleys to maintain lantern functionality Liaised with the local council to work around embargoes, scheduling optimal times for loading in from street level.

The result is a robust, permanent solution that improves access, respects the venue’s heritage, and demonstrates what we do best: combining creative thinking with engineering precision.

www.unusual.co.uk sales@unusual.co.uk 01604 830083

SIGNIFICANT OTHERS

Global Citizen – Move Afrika

From acrobats suspended from city buildings to choreographed performances on the London Eye, large-scale light installations and crowd-controlled public events — Unusual Rigging is the go-to partner for the extraordinary. These projects are defined by their complexity, creativity and need for precision. We specialise in delivering imaginative solutions for one-off cultural moments, international broadcasts and site-specific spectacles. What makes many of these projects truly special is the opportunity to pass on knowledge. Whether supporting local crews or building new infrastructure, we bring not just technical expertise, but a lasting legacy. That’s why our ongoing partnership with Global Citizen – Move Afrika is such a natural fit. It’s not just about delivering a show — it’s about empowering future teams to do it themselves. Now in its third year, Unusual Rigging has played a central role in the Move Afrika tour, delivering world-class rigging solutions to match the ambition of the event. For the past two years, we’ve returned to Kigali Arena — a young venue with evolving capabilities — to support its technical growth. Working alongside the in-country team and local suppliers, we deliver infrastructure, share knowledge and build confidence. Our pre-production and onsite work include training in rigging techniques and safe working practices, helping to develop the next generation of local riggers.

To fulfil the brief, Unusual Rigging:

Designed and installed a bespoke mother grid to address load limitations Distributed 17 tonnes of infrastructure safely across the venue roof Collaborated with Rwanda Events, using available local kit Managed pre-production and site rigging across two consecutive years in Kigali

Embedded hands-on training for local crew members Supported returning trainees with in-roof mentoring Consulted on future permanent rigging systems

Delivered scalable, tour-ready infrastructure under strict load constraints Integrated international touring elements with local resources seamlessly.

www.unusual.co.uk sales@unusual.co.uk 01604 830083

FILM & TV

The Olivier Awards 2025

Unusual Rigging brings specialist expertise to the fast-moving world of film, television and live broadcast. Whether it’s a complex studio installation or an on-location shoot in an extreme environment, we provide safe, efficient rigging solutions that enable creative vision without compromise. But it’s in live broadcast where our specialist skills are most tested. From Wimbledon to the Cheltenham Races , Eurovision to state events and awards ceremonies, broadcast rigging means working under pressure — with no room for error when millions are watching. A prime example is the The Olivier Awards 2025 with Mastercard at the Royal Albert Hall. Unusual Rigging was appointed by Society of London Theatre (SOLT) to deliver: Full rigging and draughting support for the entire venue Design and installation of a mother truss to carry lighting, scenic elements and an automated screen Custom-fabricated curved truss to support the sweeping red drape Truss systems dedicated to neat and efficient cable management Over 225 metres of truss and 29 chain hoists, supplementing the venue’s 50 in- house hoists Rigging of flown scenic elements, screen automation and lighting bridge Integration with TAIT automation systems to ensure smooth transitions on camera Close coordination with the Royal Albert Hall’s in-house technical team Night-time load-ins and rig checks to accommodate the venue’s live performance schedule Use of reusable rigging solutions, in line with SOLT’s sustainability goals — including green carpet initiatives and low-impact supplier choices. From film sets to red carpets, Unusual Rigging delivers world-class infrastructure with precision, flexibility and a broadcast-ready mindset.

www.unusual.co.uk sales@unusual.co.uk 01604 830083

SPORTING EVENTS

Olympics Games Paris 2024

Rigging for major sporting events demands scale, speed and flawless coordination. It’s a field where every venue becomes a standalone challenge. Between February and November 2024, Unusual Rigging delivered more than 50 major installations and 50 de-rigs across France, supporting the Olympic and Paralympic Games with unrivalled consistency and technical expertise. Working across three core project strands — and in partnership with clients including SLX UK, Olympic Broadcasting Services and Arena Group — we handled the full spectrum of rigging design, installation and venue support.

From cable camera systems rigged from cranes over the Seine, to medals flag operations inside packed stadiums, every detail was delivered with precision.

The team successfully:

Designed and installed venue rigging for Paris 2024’s most prestigious arenas, including Stade de France, La Défense Arena, the Aquatics Centre and more Supplied all rigging for broadcast lighting, sports presentation, audio, national and medals flags, and press cameras Installed cable camera systems using cranes, truss towers and existing Parisian infrastructure — including the Eiffel Tower and Musée de l’Homme Provided 24/7 rigging support during Games time across over 20 Olympic and Paralympic venues Delivered tracked screen systems, truss bridges and entrance structures for key overlay installations Employed a combined team of 70+ UK and French crew Managed full logistics, including 80 return truck journeys and over 12km of truss Produced 200+ design issues and over 2,000 drawing sheets Opened a formal branch in France to meet compliance requirements and employ local staff Supported by key partners: Blackout FR (labour and kit) and Mediaco (craning and logistics).

www.unusual.co.uk sales@unusual.co.uk 01604 830083

SERVICING, SALES & HIRE

At Unusual Rigging, we believe that world-class equipment deserves world-class support. Whether you’re hiring a single hoist or investing in a complete automation system, we’re committed to helping you keep your kit in peak condition — simply, efficiently and without hassle. Our fully digitised customer portal makes managing inspections and servicing effortless. We don’t wait for you to remember — we track service schedules proactively and alert you when action is needed, giving you full visibility on inspection records, remedial recommendations and completed works. No paper trails, no missed deadlines — just straightforward, customer-focused service. We’ve expanded our in-house engineering and remedial services to offer an end-to-end solution: identifying issues during inspections, then swiftly carrying out the repairs or upgrades needed to keep your equipment safe, compliant and event-ready. Thanks to the opening of our new headquarters and research centre, our warehousing capacity has grown significantly — and so has our stock. Today, we hold one of the UK’s most extensive inventories of rigging and automation equipment, with significant investment in the latest technologies to meet the evolving demands of the entertainment and events industry. Our trusted partnerships with manufacturers including Doughty Engineering, Liftket and Eurotruss ensure we can offer a broad portfolio of industry-leading products, backed by the technical expertise and personal service Unusual is known for.

Whatever the scale of your project, we have the equipment, the people and the processes in place to keep you moving.

www.unusual.co.uk sales@unusual.co.uk 01604 830083

PEOPLE & RESOURCES

At Unusual Rigging, every installation, solution and success begins with our people. That’s why we invest in creating an environment where every individual can thrive. Our Trainee Rigger Programme provides a structured entry into the industry for those starting their careers. Combining hands-on experience, mentoring and formal training — including support towards the National Rigging Certificate (NRC) — it equips trainees with the skills, confidence and qualifications needed to succeed. Many of our senior riggers, supervisors and project managers began their journeys here, proving that the right opportunities at the right time can lead to exceptional careers. Today, we are proud to be an 80-strong team, united by a passion for quality, innovation and excellence. Our people include long-serving team members who’ve helped shape the company, alongside a new generation bringing fresh ideas and energy. Internationally, we continue to grow. Following the successful integration of Unusual Rigging & Engineering LLC in Dubai, we are opening a new satellite office in Saudi Arabia in 2025. With cultural and technological projects on the rise in the region, a local presence will help us better serve clients while upholding the standards Unusual is known for. Closer to home, we’re strengthening our leadership culture through our Psychology of Leadership programme. By understanding what motivates individuals and teams, we’re building a supportive environment where everyone feels safe, valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Guided by the philosophy of our late founder, Alan Jacobi, we believe people aren't just part of our business — they are the business.

www.unusual.co.uk sales@unusual.co.uk 01604 830083

HEALTH, SAFETY & CERTIFICATIONS

At Unusual Rigging, quality, safety and environmental responsibility form the foundation of everything we do. Our Integrated Management System (IMS) unites our Quality (QMS), Environmental (EMS), and Occupational Health and Safety (OHSMS) systems into one cohesive framework that guides every project. Our QMS ensures we consistently meet client requirements and continually improve our processes.

Our EMS manages environmental risks and minimises impact while ensuring legal compliance.

Our OHSMS controls Health and Safety risks, protecting employees, clients and partners in all situations. This integrated approach means safety, quality and sustainability are embedded in every decision we make. We are proud to hold ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental), and ISO 45001 (Health & Safety) certifications — audited by SGS, a globally respected independent assessor. These certifications go beyond compliance; they reflect our commitment to transparency, accountability and excellence. In a competitive industry, ISO certification reassures clients that Unusual Rigging meets the highest standards. It also strengthens our position in tender processes where proven commitment to best practice is essential. For us, certification is an ongoing journey — a commitment to better performance, safer workplaces and a more sustainable future.

www.unusual.co.uk sales@unusual.co.uk 01604 830083

THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND ETHICAL CITIZENSHIP At Unusual Rigging, sustainability has never been a slogan — it’s embedded in how we think, work and build. We've long championed circular economy principles, minimising waste, maximising resource efficiency, and prioritising the reuse and recycling of materials wherever possible. This commitment became even more tangible in July 2024, when we moved into our new purpose-built headquarters and research centre in Bugbrooke, Northamptonshire. Designed around circular economy principles, the facility has already earned multiple awards for sustainable design, energy performance and environmental innovation. Set within a rewilded landscape, the site supports both our operational needs and environmental goals — operating as a net positive facility in terms of Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Beyond our own footprint, we’re working with sustainability specialists HOPE Solutions on a transformative project aimed at redefining sustainability in the entertainment and events industry. Through deep diagnostics, stakeholder engagement and carbon planning, this initiative is setting a new benchmark for what sustainable rigging and production support can look like. Our approach is part of a wider commitment to Ethical Citizenship. Over the past year, we’ve been embedding a formal framework to help us lead with integrity, support communities and create a truly inclusive environment. Central to this is our Psychology of Leadership programme, which deepens our understanding of motivation, trust, and how to create empowering, safe spaces for all our people. As we grow, we remain rooted in the values that shaped our early days in a handful of portacabins. Today, Unusual Rigging is a global leader, proud to carry forward the legacy of our founder, Alan Jacobi (AJ), with a focus on innovation, responsibility and care in everything we do.

www.unusual.co.uk sales@unusual.co.uk 01604 830083

Society of Television Lighting & Design

Unusual Rigging Ltd The Wharf Bugbrooke Northamptonshire NN7 3QB UK

Tel: +44 (0)1604 830083 sales@unusual.co.uk unusual.co.uk

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20

Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker