Earlier this month, Jamie and Mark travelled to Switzerland for a very special flying effect install. The project was months in the making and finally being at the theatre to bring everything to life, was both rewarding and exhilarating.
Arriving in Geneva
Flying into Geneva is always a treat, with stunning views of the Alps as you descend.
After arriving in the sunny yet chilly conditions, we made our way to The Casino Theatre, where the team welcomed us warmly which included a hearty Café au lait!
Seeing the venue in person after working on the designs remotely, made all the difference—it’s always thrilling to step into the space where our special effects will take centre stage.
Meeting the Team
From lighting cues to actor interactions, every detail was carefully planned months before delivery to give the best experience for audiences when the curtain goes up for the first time.
One of the best parts of any project however, is finally meeting the people behind the production. The theatre and production team were fantastic—passionate, professional, and eager to collaborate. Ygal, the technical manager deserves a special mention, for welcoming us to the Casino Theatre and for being a pleasure to work with.
We spent the first day walking through the technical details, ensuring our effects would integrate seamlessly into their production of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.
The Installation Process
The setup itself was a challenge, but one we were more than ready for. Working within The Casino Theatre we installed the Charlie Glass Elevator Effect ensuring it operated smoothly and safely. Testing was crucial—fine-tuning movement, adjusting mechanics, and making sure everything looked just as spectacular as we had envisioned.
Enjoying Geneva
Of course, no trip is complete without taking in a little local culture. Between long hours at the theatre, we found time to enjoy some incredible food at La Pignata where we indulged in a Calzone picante! A morning coffee break at a local café was a highlight—Geneva’s café culture is something special, and it was the perfect way to recharge before another busy day. Just look at those pastries!
And of course, you can’t visit Switzerland without tasting their famous triple cheese fondue……
Final Touches and Curtain Up
As the final rehearsals approached, seeing our work come to life in full production mode was immensely satisfying. The reactions from the cast and crew made all the effort worthwhile. Knowing that our effects would enhance the performance and create unforgettable moments for audiences is why we do what we do. A standing ovation on opening night for our flying elevator gave us huge satisfaction!
Until Next Time
As we headed home, we couldn’t help but reflect on what a brilliant experience this project had been.
Geneva is a fantastic, warm city to work in, and we’re grateful to the theatre team for the opportunity to collaborate. The theatre closes for a three-year refurb shortly and the production company and theatre team were delighted that our effect would give audiences an incredible flying effect that will keep in the memory until the refurb is complete! We’re looking forward to returning to the City once the production is over.
If you’re looking to bring high-quality special effects to your next production, get in touch with us at Burnt Toast SFX—we’d love to help bring your vision to life!
