News Story
Lichfield Garrick Theatre has taken a bold step toward a greener, more versatile future with the installation of a cutting-edge LED lighting system supplied by White Light (WL). This upgrade marks the most significant technical advancement at the venue in over 20 years, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, creative excellence, and community engagement. When Technical Manager Adie Barnes joined the Garrick, he quickly identified the need for change.
“After taking stock, it was clear we needed to set a new direction and deliver improvements in a positive way,” Adie explains. “Lighting was a priority. Our tungsten rig was over 30 years old, costly to maintain, and increasingly unreliable. With rising energy costs and the challenge of sourcing replacement lamps, LED was the obvious choice for a greener, more sustainable alternative.”
Adie Barnes | Technical Manager
Supported by senior management and funded through a low-carbon grant, the transition to LED reflects the theatre’s ambition to reduce its environmental impact while enhancing technical performance.
Lighting plays a pivotal role in storytelling, and the new rig opens a world of creative possibilities. Featuring ETC ColorSource Spot Vs and Lustre 2s, the system delivers exceptional colour control, high CRI ratings, and the ability to replicate the warm qualities of tungsten for sensitive drama and dance. “LED fixtures offer everything tungsten does and more,” says Adie. “They allow us to create immersive environments, enhance mood, and bring performances to life with precision and vibrancy.”
The benefits extend beyond artistry. LED technology dramatically reduces energy consumption, lowers utility costs, and eliminates the need for frequent lamp changes. “This is about embracing a safer, cost-effective future without compromising our planet,” Adie notes. “We’re ensuring continuity in our performances while doing our part in the battle against climate change.”
Selecting the right equipment involved rigorous testing. “We hired and demoed units in real productions to evaluate reliability, versatility, fan noise, and overall performance,” Adie explains. Installation was equally challenging, with just days to complete the changeover ahead of the theatre’s pantomime season. “WL and the manufacturers were excellent, supporting us through a tight schedule. Once we had received our first delivery, we began decommissioning old dimmers while keeping the theatre fully operational.”
The upgrade has been met with enthusiasm by the Lichfield Garrick team. “Watching them open boxes of kit was like kids at Christmas,” Adie laughs. “The new Robert Juliat Tristian followspots have been a particular favourite for the guys. It reduces gel changes and lamp replacements, making life safer and easier.” Beyond the stage, the benefits ripple through the community. The theatre has gifted old equipment to local groups and schools, while the new rig offers flexibility for amateur productions and inclusive experiences for audiences with light sensitivities.
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WL’s Senior Business Development Manager, Jonathan Haynes, comments: “We are proud to have partnered with Lichfield Garrick Theatre on this transformative project and to have delivered lighting equipment that fulfilled their vision for innovation and environmental responsibility. It’s been a pleasure working with Adie and the wider LX team.”
Adie adds: “Jonathan and the WL team have been amazing. I just can't believe how they brought this all together so incredibly fast. They were an absolute pleasure to work with.”
As the Lichfield Garrick Theatre completed its first fully LED-lit pantomime, Adie reflects on the achievement: “Delivering the biggest technical advance in two decades has been a privilege. This upgrade isn’t just about technology, it’s about sustainability, creativity, and building a better future for our audiences and our planet.”