Shining a spotlight on the team behind the production desk
Earlier this year, we announced that we had renewed our partnership contract with in-house AV production services partner White Light (WL), following our flourishing seven-year relationship. With some recent additions to WL’s team here at Central Hall Westminster, we enjoyed getting to better know the people working with us behind the scenes to deliver your events! Introducing:
Alex Wright – Senior Account Manager
Jack Bowyer – Venues Account Executive
Caleb Gohil – Venues Technical Manager
Chris Gadd – Deputy Venue Technical Manager
Azaldean Mohammed – Venue Production Technician
Here are some of the highlights from our conversation…
Career background:
With WL’s history and heritage in theatre, it was no surprise to discover that some of the team originate from a strong performing arts background. Particularly Chris and Azaldean, who studied Technical Theatre Arts and acting, respectively. They are both also graduates of WL’s award-winning apprenticeship scheme and have been rising the ranks within the company since completing their Level 3 “Creative Venue Technician” qualifications.
Alex and Caleb have worked in the AV industry for many years. Since 2013, Alex has worked in various large Central London venues, including Central Hall a few times back in the day!
Caleb has worked in technical production for over 7 years. He loves being a part of such a hardworking and fun team, with the added pleasure of working in such a beautiful venue every day.
Jack (the newest member of the team) has been based in London for the past 6 years, planning and delivering corporate events in 5* hotels and event spaces. He loves historical venues and is happy to be working in Westminster, which is a new location for him.
Favourite Central Hall events:
“For me, I was proud to be a part of launching the Netflix ‘Our Planet’ media launch in 2018, featuring Sir David Attenborough. The event also had some interesting technical challenges, such as supplying a 5.1 surround sound system in the Great Hall.” – Alex Wright
“Craig David Rocks Big Ben Live in 2019. It was rewarding to be an integral part of Central Hall’s whole in-house team, working seamlessly together to deliver a major broadcast for BBC One.” – Chris Gadd
“My personal favourite was the Better Business Act Rally, as it feels like a kind of milestone for me in terms in terms of my skills and development. Essentially, I completely rebuilt an audio system!” – Azaldean Mohammed
Favourite Central Hall events spaces:
The answer to this question was short and sweet! The unanimous favourite was the Great Hall, for a multitude of reasons, including its size and scale, flexibility and potential for technical creativity to deliver a diverse range of events.
“It is a magnificent space, so full of character. The acoustics are challenging and fascinating to work with. It’s great fun designing solutions to help our clients achieve their vision within this space.” – Caleb Gohil
“The large pipe organ is very impressive and the lighting rig we’ve installed can make the space look truly beautiful. However, I also enjoy working in the combined Lecture Hall + Library space as well, as this offers clients a lot of versatility.” – Azaldean Mohammed
“It’s a real privilege to hear the grand organ so regularly. I’m still waiting to have a go at playing it! From an AV perspective, it’s always interesting working on solutions for a space which was designed before the technology we use existed.” – Jack Bowyer
Favourite historical facts about Central Hall:
For Alex and Azaldean, it’s the fact that in 1966, the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy was stolen from the Library, where it was the centrepiece of an exhibition – before being recovered a few days later thanks to Pickles the dog.
Jack was interested to learn that between 1876 and 1903, the site was an aquarium, theatre and winter garden and had large underground cisterns for storing fresh and saltwater for the fish.
Meanwhile, Caleb and Chris love telling clients that the first ever United Nations General assembly in 1946 was held here, as this was such a significant moment in history.
To find out more: https://www.c-h-w.com/venue/audio-visual/
