A new era of staging for a world-class venue
Commissioned by The O2, AC-ET were tasked with specifying a next-generation staging system that could handle rapid turnarounds, demanding production schedules and the creative requirements of global touring artists.
AC-ET recommended SIXTY82, whose engineering innovation, modular approach and willingness to customise, aligned perfectly with The O2’s requirements for their 200 plus shows a year.
A two-year design and development partnership
Over a two-year period, Paul Biggerstaff and Oli Sharpe worked closely with The O2’s Production and Technical teams to develop a fully customised roll-in, roll-out stage system capable of adapting to various configurations and sizing.
This flexibility is essential for supporting the diverse productions passing through the venue.
A rapid deployment, big stage system
A key requirement for The O2 was speed. The new SIXTY82 system delivers:
Fully moveable as a single unit, allowing the stage and rig to be built at the same time
A foldable frame design that significantly reduces storage footprint
Adjustable height from 120cm to 200cm
A new maximum size of 72 ft x 68 ft
No tools required
Custom engineering tailored to The O2
Throughout development, AC-ET responded to The O2’s unique needs by helping them formulate a wide range of bespoke modifications, including:
Structural enhancements
Triple-frame design for faster handling and reduced storage volume
8 ft x 4 ft imperial decks in place of standard metric versions
Double-beam deck construction for increased strength and reduced deflection
Removal of stage-to-stage clamps due to improved deck rigidity
Stability upgrades
Leg locking mechanism for secure setups at heights of 6 ft and above
Improved 4-way adapters that eliminate all play once locked
Rubber feet on legs for greater stability and floor protection
Speed and usability improvements
Handrail locking mechanism with ergonomic handle for quicker installation
Soft-closing frames for safer setup
Adapter system compatible with The O2’s existing treads.
Learn more about our staging systems
The creative demands of modern productions means that stages need to be both resilient and flexible, to meet a wide range of performances. So, if you’re looking for a new staging system ,either as a permanent or temporary fixture, why not arrange a demo at either our High Wycombe or Leeds locations. Call us on +44 (0)1494 446000 for High Wycombe or +44 (0)113 255 7666 for Leeds.
