Sh**ged Married Annoyed
Comedy

Adlib's Technical Production for the Sh**ged Married Annoyed Live Tour 2023

Overview

In autumn 2023, Chris and Rosie Ramsey took their chart-topping podcast Shagged Married Annoyed on a highly anticipated live arena tour across the UK. Adlib provided audio, video, lighting, and rigging solutions that scaled up for large audiences without losing the charm that defines the podcast.

Partners & Collaborators

Avalon

Awards

Client

Sh**ged Married Annoyed

Sector

Comedy

Services

Audio / Lighting / Video / Rigging

Location

UK

Year

2023

SMA Live Tour 2023 at M&S Bank Arena
Sh**ged Married Annoyed

In autumn 2023, Chris and Rosie Ramsey took their chart-topping podcast Shagged Married Annoyed on a highly anticipated live arena tour across the UK. Following the success of their Guinness World Record-breaking 2021 tour, the duo returned with a brand-new show that sold out major venues, including London’s O2 Arena and Wembley SSE Arena, in record time. The live tour brought their signature humour and relatable anecdotes to life on stage, blending podcast segments with audience interaction and multimedia elements.

Adlib played a crucial role in transforming this intimate podcast into a live arena experience. The technical production team provided audio, video, lighting, and rigging solutions that scaled up for large audiences without losing the charm that defines the podcast. The tour visited major venues such as London’s O2 Arena, Manchester’s AO Arena, and Glasgow’s OVO Hydro. Each venue presented unique challenges that required tailored solutions to ensure every fan enjoyed a seamless experience.

Clear Audio Delivery

The success of Sh**ged Married Annoyed relied heavily on Chris and Rosie’s conversational humour. To ensure every word resonated clearly with audiences seated across massive arenas, Adlib designed an audio system that prioritised clarity and even sound distribution.

Adlib deployed CODA Audio AiRAY main hangs as the backbone of the audio setup, supported by CODA Audio ViRAY side hangs and delays to address venue-specific acoustics. Engineers at front-of-house used a DiGiCo SD9 console to balance Chris and Rosie’s voices with pre-recorded skits and audience reactions.

On stage, Adlib provided four MP2 stage monitors, paired with a DiGiCo SD11i console, to give Chris and Rosie precise monitoring throughout their performances. Wireless systems included four Sennheiser 2000 Series microphones, featuring two handhelds and two DPA 4266 headsets. These systems delivered reliability while allowing complete freedom of movement.

The team fine-tuned each venue’s setup using advanced modelling software to optimise sound distribution based on seating arrangements and architectural features. This ensured every fan experienced crystal-clear audio regardless of their location in arenas like London’s O2.

CODA Audio ViRAY for SMA Live Tour 2023
Video Director John Haggart cutting the broadcast channels for side IMAG screens

Video That Brought Performers Closer to Their Fans

Adlib recognised that video would play an essential role in bridging the gap between performers and fans seated far from the stage. To achieve this goal, they implemented a sophisticated video system designed for maximum engagement across large venues.

The system included two Stumpfl projection screens measuring 20' x 11'3'', flanking the stage. These screens worked alongside an upstage centre screen powered by Panasonic PT-RZ31K DLP laser projectors, which delivered bright and sharp imagery suitable for expansive spaces like Manchester’s AO Arena.

To capture every moment on stage, Adlib utilised three Sony HXC-100 broadcast cameras, equipped with two Canon UJ90x9B lenses (90x zoom) and one Canon CJ20ex 7.8B lens (20x zoom). Two additional Panasonic AW-UE150 4K PTZ cameras provided flexibility by offering remote-controlled shots that enhanced visual variety. The cameras were supported by Sachtler ACE tripods, ensuring stability during filming.

A Barco E2-4K screen management system enabled smooth transitions between live feeds and pre-recorded video segments featuring fan-favourite characters Barry and Belinda Beef—portrayed hilariously by Rosie Ramsey in elaborate costumes. The team also utilised a Panasonic AV-HS410 vision mixer for real-time editing during performances.

To maintain consistent playback quality, Adlib integrated two Theatrixx xVision converters for signal conversion between SDI and fibre optics. These tools ensured seamless communication between video components across all venues.

Lighting That Set the Stage

Adlib understood that lighting would shape how audiences experienced each segment of the show. The team designed a rig that complemented Chris and Rosie’s comedic delivery while maintaining focus on their interactions with each other and their audience.

Adlib installed three flown trusses equipped with a range of lighting fixtures. The rig included 26 Martin MAC Ultra Wash units, which provided vibrant washes of colour across the stage. Additional effects came from six Robe MegaPointe fixtures, which added dynamic transitions between segments.

To enhance key moments during performances, Adlib deployed eight Chauvet Strike 4 blinders and 16 SGM Q-8 LED strobes, which created dramatic lighting effects when needed. Engineers controlled every cue using a grandMA3 Compact console, tailoring designs to suit individual venue layouts. Special effects like Cirro MK3 hazers added depth without overwhelming visibility or distracting from Chris and Rosie’s interactions on stage.

Operational Efficiency Across Multiple Venues

The tour covered multiple cities across the UK, including Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds, and Glasgow. Each venue required Adlib to adapt its technical solutions while maintaining consistency in production quality. Pre-rigged trussing systems allowed crews to set up quickly without sacrificing precision or reliability. Lightweight equipment designs reduced truck space requirements, enabling efficient load-ins and load-outs across tight schedules.

To ensure smooth operations at each location, Adlib customised audio configurations for venue-specific acoustics while tailoring video setups to optimise sightlines for all attendees. These measures ensured that every performance ran seamlessly from start to finish.

Partner with Adlib for Exceptional Live Event Production

Adlib’s work on the Sh**ged Married Annoyed live tour highlights their ability to deliver seamless technical production for large-scale events. Their expertise in audio, video, lighting, and rigging ensured that Chris and Rosie Ramsey’s podcast translated into an unforgettable arena experience. However, Adlib’s capabilities go far beyond podcasts. From concerts and theatrical productions to corporate events and permanent installations, Adlib provides tailored solutions designed to meet the unique needs of every client.

Whether you’re planning a live tour, a one-off event, or a long-term installation, Adlib offers the technology and expertise to bring your vision to life. For enquiries about their services or equipment rental, contact them at rental@adlib.co.uk.

SMA Live Tour 2023 at M&S Bank Arena
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Credits

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