KV2 Audio brings Janis Joplin’s story to life in London

Sound designer Poti Martin, whose extensive experience in theatre sound design made him the top choice for the job, shares how he became involved: “I’ve worked with the producer on many projects before. When they called me for this, I knew it would be something special.”

The brief was as ambitious as the subject matter – to recreate the raw energy of a Janis Joplin concert while narrating her life story. “It’s more than a musical; it’s a dramatised concert that explores her influences and legacy,” Martin explains. “We needed a sound system capable of delivering both the intimacy of storytelling and the powerful, unfiltered emotion of a live rock performance.”

Martin turned to KV2 Audio for the challenge, selecting their ESR215 loudspeakers, EX1.8 subwoofers, and ESD5 compact loudspeakers for the installation. “The ESR215s and EX subs are, in my opinion, the best choice for theatre sound by far,” he says. “They deliver an incredible amount of power without losing quality or distorting, which is essential for a show like this.”

The ESR215, KV2’s flagship full-range system, is known for its ability to produce crystal-clear sound across large spaces with minimal components. Paired with the EX1.8 subwoofers, the system delivered a rich, full-spectrum sound that captured the depth of Joplin’s soulful voice and the intensity of her band’s instrumentation. Meanwhile, the ESD5 loudspeakers ensured that every word and note reached the audience with clarity, even in the farthest corners of the theatre.

The Peacock Theatre’s layout presented unique acoustic challenges, particularly the limited options for rigging the loudspeakers. “If we had used any other system, there would have been significant issues,” Martin admits. “But with the ESR215s stacked on stage, we solved all potential problems. The system’s directional control and power meant we could cover the entire space effectively without overcomplicating the setup.”

The result was a soundscape that immersed audiences in Joplin’s world, from her formative influences to her rise as a rock icon. “KV2’s system elevated the show’s audio to another level,” Martin says. “The clarity and power made you feel like you were right there with Janis on stage.”

The feedback from producers and audiences alike has been overwhelmingly positive. “As far as I’m concerned, they couldn’t be happier. The system’s performance speaks for itself,” Martin concludes.

A Night with Janis Joplin’s run at the Peacock Theatre was an unforgettable theatrical experience, not just for its compelling storytelling and powerhouse performances but also for its unparalleled sound design. Thanks to KV2 Audio’s cutting-edge technology and Poti Martin’s expert implementation, the musical brought Joplin’s legendary voice and spirit to life like never before.

KV2 Audio System:

• 2 x ESR215 (main PA)
• 4 x EX1.8 (subs)
• 6 x ESD5 (Frontfills)
• 4 x EX26 (overhead and sides foldback)
• 6 x ESD5 (stage fills)

Related links:

• Peacock Theatre website