Starlight Express – Show Week

By Rory Giddings

27th June to 2nd July - Starlight Show Week

We successfully maintained the running of Starlight Express during the show week, with each member of the technical crew assigned to a certain area. I was follow-spotting with Ashley throughout the week, meaning we had to ensure that our light beams were at the same intensity, sharpness and brightness each night. We also follow-spotted the main characters around the stage. The show ran relatively smoothly on our part with no immediate lighting difficulties. During the pre-show rehearsals, we needed to clean the stage and clear the tiered seating.

As Starlight is a very technical/fluorescent show, me and Ashley spent time cutting and fitting various gels with different coloured shades so that we could contribute to Starlight's aesthetic appeal. It also meant that we could use the coloured gels during certain scenes to enhance the actor's costumes, characters, and performances. For example, during Electra’s performance, we used a purple gel to illuminate his purple costume and makeup.