National Theatre Expands Investment in EXE Technology Chain Hoists For the Kreitman Rehearsal Studio
Further investment enhances precision, safety and repeatability across rehearsal and performance spaces.



The National Theatre has continued its investment in advanced lifting technology with the purchase of additional EXE Technology D8+ Rise chain hoists, reinforcing its commitment to safe, precise and repeatable motion control across its production facilities.
The latest investment from Area Four Industries UK includes 12 x 350Kg EXE Rise chain hoists, each fitted with absolute integrated load cells, working in conjunction with Kinesys LibraNODE technology. This combination provides continuous real-time load monitoring enabling overload protection.
The hoists have been deployed alongside Kinesys DigiHOIST controllers on the new truss grid in the Kriteman Rehearsal Studio, giving the National Theatre enhanced control over rigging operations in one of its key production development spaces. The system delivers greater operational confidence and enhanced load management, supporting the demanding technical requirements of rehearsals and production preparation.
The Kreitman Studio is a dynamic space dedicated to developing new stage works, rehearsals and creative talent which the National Theatre is globally renowned.



The investment has also been complemented by the purchase of 4 x 1000Kg EXE Rise D8+ chain hoists, configured with the same encoder and load cell technology. These units are planned for use in the Lyttelton Theatre National Theatre's performance venues to support loudspeaker cluster installation and maintenance.
By incorporating precise positional feedback and continuous load monitoring, the new system will enable technical teams to return speaker arrays to their exact operating positions following servicing, improving repeatability while enhancing safety and reducing setup time.
Jim Harlow - Rigging Resources Supervisor at the National Theatre said: "The EXE range in particular the 350Kg provides compact, ergonomic and light weight to lift capacity. The modular design allows for easy upgrading and adding of extra functionality."
 
By incorporating precise positional feedback and continuous load monitoring, the new system will enable technical teams to return speaker arrays to their exact operating positions following servicing, improving repeatability while enhancing safety and reducing setup time.
 
The latest investment represents a continued commitment by the National Theatre to adopting technologies that deliver tangible operational benefits for production teams. As modern venues increasingly look for intelligent motion solutions that combine mechanical reliability with advanced electronic control, systems capable of providing real-time positional and load information are becoming an integral part of theatre infrastructure.  EXE Technology chain hoists are now an integral part of all three distinct performance spaces at the National, including the Olivier, Lyttelton and Dorfman theatres.
As theatres continue to seek higher levels of automation, repeatability and operational safety, the National Theatre's investment demonstrates the value of intelligent hoist systems in supporting efficient production workflows and maintaining the highest technical standards across both rehearsal and performance environments.
Matthew Millward – Head of Automation, Area Four Industries concludes:
“Our continued partnership with the National Theatre is a poignant reminder that technological advances can be deployed to resolve safety and efficiency requirements in a multitude of performance spaces.”