High End Systems' TurboRay Dazzles With Westlife On Strictly Come Dancing High End Systems' TurboRay automated luminaire recently made its UK TV debut on celebrity dance show Strictly Come Dancing. The fixture featured as part of a special guest appearance from Irish pop band Westlife during the show's annual jaunt to Blackpool. "It seemed the ideal opportunity to showcase TurboRay's possibilities," says Strictly lighting designer, David Bishop. "Westlife were performing a medley of their hits, which allowed for full use of the fixture's various tricks. And, being so powerful, TurboRay stood out well in the visually 'busy' environment of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom." TurboRay recently scooped the PLSN Award for Best LED Wash Light, but is capable of much more than the title might suggest, as Bishop explains. "The fixture is great as a powerful beam; the option to add a gobo effect to it gives you another dimension; and the pixel effect available makes it an interesting feature even when in close-up." Strictly has been visiting the iconic ballroom since the show first began in 2004. It's a massive highlight of the show's run every year and it's the aim of many of the celebrities "to make it to Blackpool," but relocating the show from its Elstree Studios home is not without its challenges. "Our Blackpool outside broadcast is always a tricky week," says Bishop. "We take our show, which has been running in a set-standing stage for two months, and have to produce a show of equal complexity on location in just five days. Within this, the guest act is provided just 30 minutes of setup and rehearsal time; then is struck out in order to record a different section, and rebuilt and recorded in just 20 minutes." Despite the production conditions, Bishop was pleased with the result. "I enjoyed the TurboRay's contribution and really appreciate the support that High End Systems gave in bringing a new fixture to feature on the show." Watch the performance here: youtu.be/vvEzwJcfJ9E. 
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