UK - When Dunottar School in Reigate set out to stage its most ambitious production yet - Shrek the Musical - theatre & AV manager Ted Swan knew he wanted to raise the bar. With a background in professional theatre and experience in the West End, Ted turned to White Light, a d&b solutions company (WL), to help bring a touch of theatrical magic to the school’s 480-seat venue.
Over three sold-out nights, the school’s production entertained audiences with a full-scale set, dynamic lighting, and immersive effects, all made possible through a carefully curated hire package from WL. The equipment included Ayrton Diablos, ETC ColorSource Spot V fixtures, Chauvet Cloud 9 foggers, Unique 2.1 hazers, and Magic FX Power Shot confetti systems.
“The kids are so talented - some of them have even performed in the West End,” said Ted. “I wanted to give them a platform that matched their ability. WL helped us do exactly that.”
Working closely with WL’s senior account handler Adam Walker-Cheetham, Ted developed a lighting plan that balanced creative ambition with the technical constraints of the school’s venue. With limited rigging capacity, weight was a key consideration, making the Ayrton Diablo the ideal choice.
“We needed compact movers that could still deliver real punch,” Ted explained. “The Diablos were perfect. I used them to shutter in on a bridge, throw gobos across the stage, and create stunning beam effects through haze. The results were incredible.”
From initial planning to opening night, WL’s team provided hands-on support. When a fog machine failed just an hour before curtain-up, a replacement was delivered within 40 minutes.
“The service was amazing,” said Ted. “Every time I called, someone picked up. Whether it was technical advice or last-minute kit, WL was there. It was smooth, easy, and completely stress-free.”
For Ted, this production marked his first major project at Dunottar, and a turning point for what’s possible in school theatre.
“We’ve gone from school shows to full-scale productions. With WL’s support, we’re delivering experiences that rival professional venues. It’s opened up a whole new world for us.”
Adam Walker-Cheetham comments: “It’s been a real pleasure supporting Ted and the team at Dunottar School. Helping them bring their creative vision to life with the right tools and technology is exactly what we’re here for. I first discovered my love for theatre at school, so it’s incredibly rewarding to play a part in inspiring the next generation, whether they are future audiences or future professionals in our industry.”
