EM Acoustics’ HALO-B line array-based system has been deployed at London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre – one of the largest theatres in London with a capacity of 1,304 – across the entire 2025 summer season, which concludes at the end of September.
The full system was deployed for the second year and has become a permanent fixture. Following its debut in 2024, audio provider Autograph Sound committed to the design long-term, purchasing a complete EM Acoustics package for the Open Air Theatre’s programme.
Autograph has a long-standing relationship with Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, having supplied a full audio system for a number of years. The desire to create a consistent sound experience led to the implementation of a more permanent, bespoke solution.
Designed by Olivier Award-winner Nick Lidster, the system, which is based around the HALO-B line arrays, along with a complete EM Acoustics front-to-back setup, was created to overcome the acoustic challenges of this very large outdoor, uncovered venue.
The EM Acoustics system comprises HALO-B line arrays as the main PA supported by a wide range of point-source loudspeakers, including EMS-41, EMS-51, EMS-61, EMS-81 and EMS-129 models, along with S-15 and S-18 subwoofers. Crucially for the open-air venue, all loudspeakers are weatherised to withstand the elements.
Will McGonagle, hire manager at Autograph, said: “We’ve always used elements of EM Acoustics at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. But a couple of years ago, we brought in the HALO-B system for a full summer season, and it worked brilliantly. We knew then it was the right fit long-term, and now it’s become a fixture.
“Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre produces a wide range of productions, from spoken word plays to large-scale musicals and even live music concerts. We needed a system that could handle that variety with confidence, and one that incoming sound designers would feel familiar with and have confidence in. EM Acoustics ticked all the boxes.”
The passive nature of the EM Acoustics portfolio was another consideration in the decision-making.
Nick Lidster, sound-designer for both Brigadoon and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Dream Ballets: A Triple Bill during the 2025 season, added: “We’ve had several different systems from different manufacturers at the venue over the years. Because it’s all outdoors, we want any amplification and control systems located separately, somewhere dry, so a passive system was a clear choice. From May to September, we rely on just one versatile system for all kinds of productions.
“HALO-B sounds warm, clear and very natural. My sound designs are truthful; truthful replications of the instruments that are being played and the people speaking or singing on stage. HALO-B facilitates that and sounds very good for musicals and musical theatre.”
