LONDON – In 2015, along with its support for ongoing West End and UK touring theatre productions, White Light is staying busy with its support for more than 40 seasonal pantomime productions all across the U.K. Pictured here, a moment from Cinderella at Fairfield Halls.
More details from White Light (www.WhiteLight.Ltd.uk):
White Light reaffirmed its position as the leading lighting supplier to West End and UK touring theatre by working on a vast array of theatre productions. The complete production solution specialist is continuing to support shows throughout the festive season by providing the lighting equipment on more than 40 pantomimes all across the UK.
Since its formation 44 years ago, WL has built a strong reputation of supporting pantomimes, with this year being no exception. One of the most popular Christmas shows is the classic story of Snow White, which is currently playing at the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre. Nev Milsom is the lighting designer on the production. He comments: “Snow White is such a lively, busy show so it was important that the lighting rig not only worked with the cast and scenery but also produced vivid color and texture throughout. Pantomimes generally allow you to be much bolder in terms of lighting so I always enjoy this time of year!”.
To achieve the feel he wanted, Nev used Vari-Lite VLX Washes, Martin MAC TW1s, MAC 700 Profiles, ETC Source Four Profiles and Look Solutions Unique Haze Machines. He comments: “This is my 16th year of lighting pantomimes, with this being my fifth Snow White. Every time I work on a show I try to do something different, which was the case here”. Nev also has a long history of working with WL. He adds: “I only have good things to say about WL, in particular Andy Cullen, who was a huge support throughout. It’s no surprise that I am designing three pantomimes this year and I am using WL equipment on every single one”.
Another popular show this year is Cinderella and WL is supplying productions at Croydon’s Fairfield Halls, Richmond Theatre, Rhyl Pavilion and Tunbridge Wells’ Assembly Halls Theatre. The show at Tunbridge Wells is being lit by Morgan Jones, who has worked on several Cinderellas. He comments: “It was vital for me to create the magical atmosphere that is expected from a Cinderella pantomime. The main aim was to help create an enchanting show that the audience wouldn’t forget”.
To compliment the in-house rig at the Assembly Halls Theatre, Morgan drew on 8 x Martin MAC Vipers, 9 x Phillips SL Pars and a Jem Glaciator X-Stream. He comments: “Being able to work with WL and create my ideal rig was a great experience. I was extremely happy with the equipment they supplied and it contributed towards a really special show”.
No pantomime season is complete without Dick Whittington. WL is currently supplying three productions, one of which is at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and stars X-Factor winner Sam Bailey. Dee Ashworth, who first worked on Dick Whittington almost two decades ago, is lighting the show. He comments: “This was the first show I have lit at Aylesbury and, with it being a pantomime, it was obviously a very large production. However, both the theatre and WL’s support has made the entire process very comfortable”.
