Liverpool’s Unity Theatre, renowned for championing new writing, social justice, and community engagement, has received a transformative upgrade with the installation of Hochiki’s FIREscape Nepto intelligent emergency lighting system. This innovative solution ensures enhanced safety and energy efficiency for a cherished cultural landmark, allowing the organisation to focus its resources on supporting the arts and local communities.
Housed in a Grade II listed former synagogue on Hope Street, the Unity Theatre has a rich and unconventional history. Its origins trace back to 1983 when it was founded by a group of unemployed actors and writers. Over the years, the organisation evolved, relocating to its current home in a former synagogue—a unique space that once seated 450 worshippers.
The theatre’s name reflects its historical connection to the Unity Theatre movement, which emerged in the 1930s and had a profound impact on British theatre and politics. Today, as a registered charity, the Unity Theatre continues its legacy, blending professional productions with community workshops, mentoring schemes, and initiatives that inspire and empower.
Addressing an Urgent Challenge
Like many arts organisations, the Unity Theatre operates within tight financial constraints. The ageing emergency lighting system presented both functional and regulatory challenges. When Xenia Bayer, the theatre’s Technical Manager, recognised the scale of the necessary upgrades, she sought cost-effective yet robust solutions.
Her search led to Hochiki’s newly launched FIREscape Nepto, a cutting-edge emergency lighting system that seemed tailor-made for the theatre’s needs. The system’s key features—intelligence, energy efficiency, and adaptability—promised to revolutionise safety management while reducing operational costs.
A Bespoke Solution for Safety and Sustainability
Hochiki, in collaboration with Grainger Fire and Security, provided a complete replacement of the theatre’s emergency lighting system. The FIREscape Nepto system integrates advanced technologies, including:
- Automated Self-Testing: Eliminating manual checks, the system autonomously performs diagnostics and alerts staff to maintenance needs.
- Energy Efficiency: Operating on a low-voltage setup, FIREscape Nepto significantly reduces energy consumption.
- Adjustable Light Levels: A unique feature ideal for performance venues, it ensures regulatory compliance while enabling creative flexibility, such as blackouts for scene transitions.
Grainger Fire and Security, led by Managing Director David Wardman, executed the installation efficiently, completing the project in just four days. The team retrofitted much of the existing cabling to minimise waste and employed the system’s advanced fault-detection capabilities to address any issues with the older infrastructure.
The new system not only enhances safety but also delivers tangible benefits in aesthetics and space efficiency. Compared to the bulky legacy system, FIREscape Nepto’s sleek design complements the theatre’s historic architecture.
From an operational perspective, the upgrade has already made a significant difference. Bayer estimates that the theatre will save nearly £900 annually on energy costs, representing a 40-fold reduction in energy consumption. For a non-profit reliant on grants and donations, such savings are invaluable, freeing resources for artistic and community-focused initiatives.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
The collaboration between Hochiki, Grainger Fire and Security, and the Unity Theatre underscores the importance of community-focused partnerships. Both Hochiki and Grainger were eager to support the theatre, recognising its cultural and social significance to Liverpool and beyond.
Will Taylor, who led the project for Grainger, praised Hochiki’s user-friendly design, noting how it streamlined the installation process. The close communication between all parties ensured minimal disruption to the theatre’s schedule, allowing shows and activities to continue safely throughout the upgrade.
The installation of FIREscape Nepto marks a pivotal moment for the Unity Theatre. Beyond addressing immediate safety needs, the new system provides a sustainable foundation for the organisation’s future.
“This system won’t just replace the old one; it will transform our day-to-day operations,” said Bayer. “Thanks to Hochiki, we can continue to shine a light on the arts for years to come.”
With this upgrade, the Unity Theatre reaffirms its commitment to its community, offering a safe and welcoming space for artists, audiences, and collaborators. The partnership with Hochiki demonstrates how technology can empower cultural institutions, allowing them to focus on their core mission: fostering creativity, connection, and change.
The show, as they say, can truly go on.