A straight lift rig creates the oldest and simplest type of performer flying system. We were fascinated to have recently worked with the Discovery Channel on an episode of their 'Ancient Discoveries' series re-creating an Ancient Greek system that was used for floating a person above the heads of participants during a religious ceremony.

For all its simplicity, it formed a key element of the beast's transformation which we developed for the stage version of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Used in conjunction with one of our unique harness designs, it made for the perfect illusion.

We installed a rig at the Royal Exchange Theatre for a performer to hang herself in 'An Experiment with an Air Pump' and, for the Royal Court Theatre, to give the reverse effect of a person suspended upside-down by his ankles for their production of 'Mojo'.

When there is sufficient height above the stage to allow for a graceful pendulum type motion, a pantomime fairy can make a magical entrance from the wings, or Peter Pan can make his traditional appearance through the bedroom windows.

In those happy days when pantomimes ran until the end of February, it was a regular feature for us to include 3, 5 or even 7 girls in a flying ballet using a variation of this basic system.

Despite the advances in computer graphics and animation, Hi-Fli are regularly asked for assistance on photo and video sessions to achieve a convincing floating or flying effect. For example, last year's Christmas advertising campaign for the Bluewater Shopping Center showed models suspended in snow-globes.