Derren Brown: Miracle is currently playing at The Palace Theatre before it tours the UK, visiting cities such as Glasgow, Brighton & Hove and Bristol. Tim Mascall is the lighting designer on the production, having already lit four of Derren Brown's shows since 2006.
Tim comments, "Miracle is a really unique show. The aesthetic is led by Simon Higlett's beautiful set design and contains stunning video projection by Simon Wainwright. When lighting the show, I had to think about these elements yet also consider the audience's role. Their participation is incredibly important and I wanted to make them feel like a vital, inclusive part of the evening - hence this had a huge impact on what I decided to use with the rig."
Alongside wanting to create a very specific lighting design, Tim had to cope with the logistics of lighting a production that would eventually go on tour. He states, "Flexibility was absolutely key. When the show travels throughout the UK, front of house positions will obviously vary from venue to venue. Therefore, to make things consistent, the majority of the onstage rig is housed in two-custom built vertical trusses, designed by Production Electrician Andrew Murrell, and one flown overhead truss."
To achieve the perfect rig, Tim drew on WL's extensive range of lighting equipment. This included Martin MAC Viper Performances, Martin MAC TW1s, Vari-Lite VL1100AS and ETC Lustr 2 Profiles. The show also utilised Robert Juliat Followspots, an ETC Ion 1K Console, ETC Source Fours and ABD 1KW Fresnels.
Tim adds, "It was fantastic that I had such a great selection of lights to work with. It ultimately meant that I could achieve the exact effects required to allow the show to achieve its full potential. I am extremely grateful to WL for their constant support throughout. Whether it was a specific question, or a last minute request, nothing seemed to be a problem."
Jedd Hamilton, WL's hire manager, comments, "We have a strong reputation for supporting theatre shows of all shapes and sizes, particularly within the West End. Therefore, when it comes to something slightly different, such as Derren Brown: Miracle, we are able to use our vast experience and expertise to work with designers such as Tim and help them fulfil their requirements."
(Jim Evans)
