Ken Smith: Flyman

At the Bristol Old Vic Theatre, head flyman Ken Smith says that his main role is overseeing everything that's lifted from or lowered ('flown') onto the stage during a performance. He has two systems to help him: a simple rope system to raise and lower backdrops and a counterweight system for heavier parts of the scenery. He says that his biggest responsibility is safety, since there is the potential for injuring or even killing people if parts of the scenery are allowed to fall onto the stage. Ken says that he always errs on the side of extreme caution and closely examines any safety concerns.

Find out more about being a flyman.