The Project

We created a spectacular rotating stand for an award-winning show

MASTER Industrie was asked to provide a rotating stand for a new show based on the innovative idea of ​​the audience moving from scene to scene to watch the story progress.

The Venue

The Puy Du Fou is a popular French History themed amusement park, one of the ten most visited in Europe. It's 193 acres showcase 60 attractions demonstrating the country's past from the time of Roman gladiators, via Vikings and knight duels to Christmas in the trenches.

In 2016, the park launched a new show, “Le Dernier Panache” (“The Last Stand”), an historical enactment of the fight of a French naval officer for his region's freedom. Set in a specially built 80,730 ft² theater, the audience witnesses the story unfold in a 360-degree traveling show.

During the 34 minute spectacle, the public visits 20 different scenes with a smooth transition between the stages. The show mixes digital projection and the live performances of 30 actors to bring the story to life

The Challenge

At the heart of the concept is the rotating stand designed by MASTER Industrie. The stand had to be large enough to seat 2400 spectators while moving smoothly in time with the action on the stages.

With a diameter of 151 feet and a height of 39 feet and 5 inches, the stand is a technical masterpiece. When the audience is seated, the overall weight is 530 US tons.

To move it requires 18 motors with adjustable speed-drive providing an accuracy of ± 0.7 inches to guaranteed that it stays perfectly synchronized with the show at all times, giving the audience a memorable experience.

The Result

Construction only took 10 months, and required efficient day to day management to meet such a tight timescale. On some occasions up to 6 different trades were working on the stand at the same time.

Complementing the engineering triumph, the appearance of the stand is also beautifully designed, using wooden benches with a leather finish to reflect the overall style of the venue.

The show has been a resounding success, loved by audiences and critics alike. In 2016 it won the industry-recognized Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Highlights

"The rotation of this stand of 530 US tons was all the more difficult to realize because it should be neither too fast nor too noisy, so that the viewer feels as little as possible. It's not a ride."

L. Albert
Director of Puy du Fou Park