AUDIO and lighting experts at a Bradford firm which began in the founder’s back bedroom will rub shoulders with pop music legends this weekend in one of their biggest projects to date.

The Stage Management Company is providing technical support to the Hardwick Live concert which will feature acts such as The Jacksons, Simple Minds and Adamant performing their biggest hits in the grounds of Hardwick Hall, County Durham.

It is the latest in a growing list of major productions on which the firm has worked. SMC, based at Commerce Court, Tyresal, now works on a wide range of productions across the UK .

The business,which has three staff and uses freelance support, was launched by Peter Hargreaves in his back bedroom eight years ago.

The former Bradford-based Stage 84 theatre school pupil worked as a technician for Bradford Theatres at Bingley Arts Centre before launching the business by providing lighting for amateur dramatic societies and theatre schools.

Since 2006 SMC has outgrown various business premises and is now co-run by company partners Jezz Hellens and Andrew Kniveton working on a wide variety of productions across the UK. The firm has also been involved with an ice show in the desert at Dubai which is due to be staged next year.

The company’s made its first venture into the West End last year , providing all the lighting and sound equipment for the London premiere of WAG! The Musical - a tongue in cheek look into the world of footballer’s wives and girlfriends starring Lizzie Cundy, Pippa Fulton and Tim Flavin.

It has also worked with award winning theatre company Punchdrunk , providing expertise and kit for an audience interactive production, Dr Who: Crash of the Elysium, in association with the BBC and Manchester International Festival which later moved to the Ipswich Arts Festival.

Peter Hargreaves said: “We pride ourselves on the quality of our equipment and service and always go above and beyond a client’s expectations. The friendly and honest approach, which Yorkshire is so renowned for, is what ensures that clients return.

“Hardwick Live is just the latest in a growing number of live events that Stage Management Company are being asked to provide for”

In addition to Stage 84 SMC has worked with local drama groups.