"Wireless that just works" - CRMX at the National Theatre
At the UK’s National Theatre, lighting is mission-critical. With three venues operating under one roof, dozens of productions each year and performances broadcast to audiences around the world, there’s no room for technical uncertainty.
That’s why the theatre relies on LumenRadio’s CRMX technology for Wireless DMX and Stardust transmitters to deliver the flexibility, reliability and performance their productions demand.
After migrating to CRMX from LumenRadio, the lighting team saw immediate results.
“The system genuinely worked out of the box,” says Andrew Grant, Lighting Control Manager at the National Theatre. “We configured and paired the devices and were up and running. After nearly a year across three theatres, it’s been rock solid.”
Wireless control allows fixtures to be placed wherever creativity demands without the limitations of cabling. With confidence in the system, the National Theatre’s team can now focus on creating larger, more complex productions instead of troubleshooting.
A demanding production environment
The National Theatre operates three stages of different sizes:
- Olivier Theatre – the largest venue
- Lyttelton Theatre – mid-sized
- Dorfman Theatre – the smallest, yet still seating over 400 people
Across these venues, the team produces 20–24 new shows annually and, when all theatres are running, delivers up to 24 performances per week.
“We can’t always get a cable to where we need it,” says Andrew. “The ability to quickly place fixtures anywhere and control them instantly is fundamental to how we create shows today.”
CRMX: Wireless DMX built for reliability
National Theatre productions aren’t only performed for the on-site audience. Many are recorded for the theatre’s streaming platform or broadcast live to cinemas. On broadcast nights, audiences in up to 600 cinemas may be watching simultaneously.
“With that level of visibility, reliability is essential,” says Andrew. “CRMX and Stardust have proven themselves. The system has been rock solid.”
The reliability of LumenRadio’s wireless tech has had a direct impact on production capabilities.
“With this equipment, we’re creating bigger and more complex shows,” Andrew says. “And we have more time to concentrate on other aspects of the production instead of worrying about the connectivity.”
Beyond the stage: providing flexibility for exterior events
Huw Llewellyn is a Lighting Technician responsible for lighting non-stage events for the National Theatre.
“It’s about the flexibility to not have those cables. You could use them, but why would you when you’ve got the ability to have it wireless,” he says.
For event work, Stardust’s eight wireless universes provide Huw with a powerful lighting control solution.
“The Stardust is just phenomenal,” he says. “To be able to have eight universes just spitting straight out of the desk, in a small compact box, with fixtures that already have CRMX built in, means I can do more, quicker – and react to those crazy ideas that people always come up with just when you think you’ve thought of everything.”
Exceptional range in challenging spaces
The National Theatre building presents a tough RF environment, with thick walls and multiple levels. Even so, performance has exceeded expectations.
“We’re basically a huge concrete bunker,” says Huw. “One of our first tests was in the basement workshop, and LumenRadio’s wireless range was phenomenal – not just line of sight outdoors, but also through thick concrete.”
Proven wireless performance for high-pressure productions
Across multiple venues, hundreds of performances and broadcast-level requirements, the National Theatre depends on LumenRadio to deliver consistent results.
For teams working at the highest level of live performance and event production, wireless isn’t just a convenience, it’s a foundation for creativity.
Huw’s summary is simple:
“You’ll appreciate it the first time you use it. It just works.”
