London National Theatre’s ‘Network’ Utilizes Riedel Products Onstage

Riedel Communications’ MediorNet, Artist, and Bolero are playing major behind-the-scenes technical roles at the National Theatre in London, and Riedel says it will reveal that story in early 2018. But, as the year starts to wind down, the company has announce that the theatre is using the same Riedel products as stage props in its highly anticipated stage adaptation of the 1976 television news satire “Network.”

Scene From “Network”. Images Courtesy of Jan Versweyveld

“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 and remains incredibly relevant even 40 years after the movie’s premiere.

“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 U.K., 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.