About

about

We love what we do and it shows. With more than 30 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. 


Founded by Scott Hope in 2013, Blue Chilli is the result of many years of working in this unique area of the entertainment industry. From West End productions to Ballet, Circus, Opera and Ice Shows, Scott worked with Producers and Directors in every genre of entertainment across the globe, before deciding the time was right to assemble his own team capable of offering first class flying effects with an emphasis on safety.


Seven years later, and having relocated the business to its central UK location in the heart of the Bedfordshire, the company has grown quickly whilst maintaining attention to detail and a personable approach.

core team  

Scott

Scott’s introduction to performer flying was in the early 90’s when he took a backstage role on ‘Peter Pan’, not realising at the time that this was the first EVER Peter Pan presented as a pantomime! His attention to detail and love for this new found skillset was obviously clear to see and it wasn't long before Flying By Foy offered a role within their UK organisation. Scott went on to plan, install, operate and direct the aerial effects on numerous West End Musicals, Ballets, Operas, TV & Films around the world. 


Fast forward a couple of decades and with his tradecraft and gratitude owed to Peter Foy, Scott knew his potential could only be recognised by setting himself up in the world of performer flying. In 2013, he founded Blue Chilli Flying which has quickly become a household name in the entertainment world delivering all elements of stage automation and control systems in addition to core performer flying theatrical effects.

Kelly

A Northern Ballet trained ex professional dancer, Kelly has been a fundamental part of Blue Chilli from the company's inception. 


Having also worked in administrative roles in the theatre, leisure and events industries, during and increasingly more so towards the end of her performing career, Kelly knows the professional performing world intimately from both sides of the curtain.


As Blue Chilli has swiftly expanded, Kelly now deals principally with the logistics and planning for Blue Chilli projects but still supports the team practically on site from time to time and plays a major part when it comes to the design of new systems and artistic decisions.

Simon

Simon’s early career path stemmed from time performing as a figure skater and enjoying recreational ice hockey. He qualified as an ice technician, specialising in ice rink maintenance and went on to design, manufacture and install bespoke ice rink equipment for the television, theatre, film and event industries (including BBC’s Strictly Ice Dancing and ITV’s Dancing On Ice).


After gaining a number of academic qualifications including General Engineering and a First Class Honours Bachelor degree in Mechatronics, Simon initially joined Blue Chilli for the professional UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, where he predominantly looked after the installation of Chitty, the star of the show, in each tour venue. 

Will

After a number of years working on both the touring and London circuit, Will packed his bags and headed out to sea. He spent the next 7 years working for Royal Caribbean as one of their Entertainment Rigging Specialists, primarily working in the infamous Aqua Theatre on the Oasis Class ships. Will specialised in their 3D fully automated flying systems as well as the highline and trickline equipment and was on the New Build and Creative Team for numerous ship builds and show installations. 


Like many other people, Will's priorities shifted in the summer of 2020 and his mind was set on 're-joining the real world' whilst continuing to work within the aerial world of entertainment.


Will joined Blue Chilli and is today a key member of the team. His ability to understand and work with a vast array of automation systems is invaluable to clients who regularly call on Blue Chilli to assist in their automation programming and training.

Ben

Ben is a fully qualified electrical engineer.


With over 10 years experience in theatrical automation, mechanical engineering and electrical installation, Ben has worked in numerous theatrical venues throughout the UK and knows many of them more intimately than he likes to recall! His knowledge of stage automation and control systems is second to none.


Ben thrives on a challenge and has been a key element in the successful delivery of multiple bespoke automation solutions.

Olly

The newest member of the Blue Chilli team. 


Olly’s career path trajectory was heading towards a life in the Royal Navy, until he decided to follow in his fathers footsteps and embarked on a life in the entertainment industry.


A highly valued and welcome member of the team, Olly brings with him a professionalism 

and attention to detail rarely found in people of his age.


Olly has hit the ground running and is currently working through formal industry qualifications alongside quickly gaining extensive experience in all elements of the business.



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