Shure is supporting the theatrical production of The Hunger Games at the purpose-built theatre in Canary Wharf Theatre, where Sound Designer, Ian Dickinson, and the team at Autograph, have deployed Shure’s Axient Digital Wireless System to meet the demands of an ambitious, highly physical production. Bringing The Hunger Games to the stage required a sound design approach capable of supporting intense choreography, complex fight sequences, flying elements and a large performance space within a newly constructed venue designed specifically for the production.
Dickinson, who joined the project during early workshops with Director Matthew Dunster, explains: “We knew from the start that some moments in the show would be heavily choreographed, almost like a dance piece at times. We also had to factor in the many fight sequences, often in skin-tight body suits, so discreet equipment and comfortable positioning were absolutely essential.” To meet these requirements, Autograph specified Shure Axient Digital Wireless System, selecting 36 ADX1M micro bodypack transmitters across the cast, supported by 11 AD4Q four-channel digital wireless receivers and two AD610 Diversity ShowLink access points to maintain continuous control and monitoring throughout the production.
The wider wireless system also includes ADX2 handheld transmitters with KSM8 capsules, AD3 plug-on wireless transmitters, PSM 1000 In-ear monitoring systems, antenna distribution and combining infrastructure, rechargeable battery systems, and dedicated monitoring via Wireless Workbench and WaveTool to support daily performance operation. Dickinson comments: “I’ve been a Shure fan for many years. On most shows I work on, I specify ADX1M transmitters because they’ve proven reliable throughout. I like the sound of them, I know what I’m going to get, and my teams like using them. The acting company also appreciates their size and discreet antenna positioning.”
Because performers needed to adapt early to wearing transmitters during rehearsals, Autograph commissioned 3D-printed dummy packs so that movement and costume departments could test placement before technical rehearsals began. For a production involving falls, combat, and frequent costume changes, durability and transmitter profile became critical. Dickinson adds: “The Shure Axient packs have been a major contributor to the success of the show. With such a physical and high-energy production, systems with external antennas would almost certainly have resulted in frequent damage and replacements. Thanks to the packs’ compact design, we’ve been able to keep pack damage to an absolute minimum, even in a show that pushes equipment to its limits.”
The custom-built theatre environment presented RF challenges from the outset, particularly given its metallic structure and the scale of the playing area, including substage action and extreme entrance positions. “Going into the show we were a little worried how all that RF would behave in a purpose-built, largely metallic theatre in the middle of Canary Wharf,” says Dickinson. “With a large stage to cover and significant action taking place substage, RF performance is put to the test every day. The Shure system holds up incredibly well against thick concrete walls and metal structures.” He continues: “From day one we’ve had seamless coverage throughout the large playing space, and I can’t remember the last time we had any kind of RF drop-out or interference.”
Autograph also relied on Shure ShowLink during setup and live operation, particularly while the venue remained under construction. “Wireless Workbench and ShowLink made life significantly easier, particularly in the early stages when we had to work remotely because the racks couldn’t be accessed due to ongoing site construction.” WaveTool plays a critical operational role during every performance: “WaveTool is absolutely vital to the operation of the show. We run a dedicated rack plot each performance, with an operator responsible for patching cast in and out. With the number of performer flying elements involved, last-minute patch changes are often required if someone doesn’t fly. WaveTool lets us instantly confirm that everything is patched correctly in these critical moments.”
For Dickinson, reliability remains the defining quality: “I love the reliability and consistency. I never hear complaints from the team looking after the show, I never hear complaints from actors, and audio-wise I know what I’m going to get straight out of the box. A win-win. From my point of view the service at Shure has always been great, with quick response times to any queries.” Peppe Mallozzi, Sales Manager, Shure UK adds: “Theatre environments demand absolute confidence in wireless performance, particularly when productions are as physically ambitious as The Hunger Games. Working alongside Autograph on this show demonstrates how Axient Digital continues to deliver the reliability, control and audio quality required for modern theatre productions, even in highly challenging RF conditions.”
