Produced by Sonia Friedman and directed by Luke Sheppard, Paddington The Musical recently opened at London’s Savoy Theatre in the West End. The show features lighting design by multi-award-winning Neil Austin, who worked with Production Electrician Martin Chisnall to translate his creative vision into a technical reality. White Light (WL) is proud to have supplied the lighting rig and help translate Paddington’s charm into a theatrical experience like no other.
We were delighted to speak with Martin to uncover the challenges and triumphs of bringing this beloved character to life, working alongside the wider lighting crew on the show. “The job of any production electrician is to take the designer’s artistic concepts and turn them into a technical reality,” explains Martin. “On Paddington, that reality was as complex as it was rewarding.”
The Savoy Theatre is renowned for its elegance, but its stage, two stories below street level, is compact and logistically demanding. Every piece of equipment must be winched through a small dock door, and with no storage space backstage or front of house, every move requires precision planning.
The set design for Paddington adds another layer of complexity. Featuring three portals diminishing in perspective and ceiling pieces that frame the action, the design leaves minimal room for lighting positions. “Space was extremely limited,” Martin notes. “In many cases, we had to devise creative rigging solutions to position lights where there was no obvious means of support.”
WL supplied the lighting rig, which performed flawlessly throughout rehearsals. But the team’s role extended beyond illumination. Special effects were a key part of the Paddington experience, and the substage area became a technical Aladdin’s cave, packed with sound, video, and automation racks, plus a drum booth. Amid this intricate setup, Martin’s team installed four JEM Glaciators and three Look Solutions Unique Haze Machines, complete with some of the best low-smoke ducting seen on any show, thanks to the expertise of Lee Threlfal and James Leatherby.
The success of Paddington the Musical is a testament to collaboration. Scenic automation and set electrics were expertly handled by Atom Herders, while WL provided not only technical excellence but also unwavering support. “The WL team was a dream to work with,” says Martin. “Special thanks to Dominic Yates and Adam Walker-Cheetham, who were always at the end of the phone. Being based in Wimbledon means they can offer unrivaled delivery into the West End.”
From the first creative sketches to the final cue, the lighting on Paddington the Musical reflects the heart of the production. It’s a reminder that every magical moment on stage is powered by a team dedicated to turning the impossible into reality.
LX Team Credits:
Lighting Designer: Neil Austin
Associate Lighting Designer: Nic Farman
Production Electrician: Martin Chisnall
Lighting Programmer: Jack Ryan
Followspot Operator: Nicola Crawford
About White Light
White Light, a d&b solutions company, is your trusted lighting specialist operating in a range of markets including performing arts, music, leisure, education, and trade. Since 1971, we have built a strong reputation for delivering lighting sales & hire projects of all sizes across the UK, Europe, and globally.
We take pride in maintaining a client-centric approach and upholding the high standards of quality that have driven our success. Our commitment extends beyond technical excellence. We value the wellbeing of our employees and customers while fostering sustainability.
As a B Corp certified company with ISO 14001 and albert accreditations, we actively promote environmentally responsible practices at both corporate and individual levels.
Photo Credit: Johan Persson
More News
Support USITT
For many 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, USITT included, donations are a lifeline. We are able to continue to expand our online offerings to our Members and to our industry thanks to Membership dollars and the generosity of our donors.