A recent storyline in the popular Emmerdale television series climaxed with the spectacular explosion of the King's River Showhouse, with resultant mayhem, including the "demise" of two of the show's characters. Although in the TV programme a gas leak due to shoddy workmanship was blamed for the destruction of the house, the true villains can now be revealed:
The massive explosion was masterminded by HA & C Rowley, of Rodley near Leeds, the north of England's leading special effects company, with over 50 years experience in theatre, film and television. And Thorite admits to providing HA & C Rowley with behind the scenes assistance, including the supply of various types of compressed air equipment.
In fact, it appears that HA & C Rowley are long standing, regular customers at Thorite, using its equipment to create wind, rain, smoke, fire and explosions on programmes including Shameless, Cutting It, Taggart, Heartbeat and Summer Wine. However, it is the special effects company's pyrotechnic contributions to Emmerdale that many people will best remember, especially the devastating results of a supposed jet airliner crash on the village some years ago.
Thorite is delighted to play a small part in the creation of these amazing episodes, as marketing director Ross Gowler comments: "There's very little apparent connection between our industry and the glamorous world of TV and films. However, judging by the size and spectacle of the special effects that our equipment helps produce, they're even more powerful, rugged and talented than we realised!"
