Event Health & Safety: Deptford Storehouse

Background

Sage & Jester the innovative arts production company were engaged to develop a bold and immersive theatrical experience, with a truly unique production: Storehouse. Hosted in a disused newspaper storage warehouse in Deptford, South London, the venue itself became a key character in the show’s narrative. This immersive experience played on the tension between the permanence of print and the fleeting nature of digital media.

We Are OPS were brought in as safety and compliance specialists across the build, live and break phases of the show. We had previously worked with Sage & Jester, and were trusted once again to ensure the highest standards of health and safety in what was a logistically ambitious and creatively unconventional setting. 

Images credit: Helen Murray

Delivery

  • Developed and authored tailored event safety documentation specific to the venue and show format
  • Liaised with relevant local authorities including the London Borough of Lewisham and the London Fire Brigade
  • Conducted in-depth supplier audits for all third-party contractors ahead of their on-site arrival
  • Maintained physical on-site health & safety presence throughout the build and live periods, particularly during high-risk activities
  • Oversaw complex safety elements of the production
  • Delivered all safety measures in a live performance setting while maintaining the artistic integrity of the production

Results

  • The live run was completed safely and successfully across several weeks, with strong operational oversight
  • OPS remained engaged through to mid-October, overseeing a sustainable break process that included reuse and recycling of set infrastructure
  • The show received significant press coverage, with attention focused on creator Liana Patarkatsishvili’s exploration of truth, belief, and disinformation in the digital age
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