P E Kemp Engineers Ltd
Peter Kemp - Stage Engineer
Much of the information below is from the ABTT Recording interview linked below.
First installation work was at the Queens Theatre to improve the flying system following wartime damage.
1964 - Kemp was based in Islington, along with 6 others as draftsman & assistants.
The Man in the Moon (January 1964, London Palladium) set design by Tod Kingman, directed by Robert Nesbitt, engineering by Peter Kemp - rotating house, rocket, prompt side 'ejector seat' tower which travelled from the orchestra pit to the upper circle level with an electric motor drive.
First London production was The Kings Mare (July – November 1966), directed by Peter Coe, designed by Ralph Koltai, at the Garrick Theatre. Used a number of motors to control flying pieces.
Gone With The Wind (1972) provided train effects
A Chorus Line (1976) - revolving periaktoid set. Kemp engineered the UK version, and was able to get the set pieces to line up accurately.
He also engineered Sweeney Todd (1980), designed by Eugene Lee at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Also provided engineering for Les Miserables (1985)
Chess (May 1986 - 1989) used computerised control which was unreliable, so push-button control was used.
P.E.Kemp also provided consultancy work on theatre engineering for venues including:
Towngate Theatre, Basildon (1990s)
Research is ongoing.
[Mike Kemp began working for Triple E in 1997]
A company called P.E.Kemp Holdings is registered at Companies House as active during the period 16 April 1984 - 20 March 1992, and was wound up in 2014, when known as Loyalty Fusion.
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