Riedel Communications‘ MediorNet, Artist, and Bolero are playing major behind-the-scenes technical roles at the National Theatre in London.

The theatre is in fact using the same Riedel products as stage props in its highly anticipated stage adaptation of the 1976 television news satire "Network."

Network is the story of Howard Beale, an out-of-control news anchor played by Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad fame. The movie was widely regarded as ahead of its time in 1976, when it won four Academy Awards. The stage adaptation at the National Theatre, directed by Ivo van Hove, is true to its roots.

"Since the production is being set in current times, the producers needed to create an authentic studio and newsroom setting," said Ben Tompsett, rentals manager UK, Riedel Communications. "With the National Theatre’s recent purchase of Artist digital intercoms and Bolero wireless, the gear is not only providing a state-of-the-art production infrastructure backstage, it’s also appearing onstage to create a truly modern and realistic look for the show."

Riedel’s Bolero wireless and C3 wired beltpacks are clearly visible in nearly every scene of Network, worn by onstage camera operators and stage managers. MediorNet MicroN and MicroN MultiViewer units were rented specifically for the production and are being used to provide video feeds for screens that are key components in the production.

(Images Courtesy of Jan Versweyveld)