Looking back on a fantastic week of performances, months of preparation, and the people who helped bring the production to life.
Back in July, I had the pleasure of taking on both the Sound Design and Lighting Design for Made For Stage’s production of We Will Rock You — a project that involved months of planning, preparation, creative discussions and plenty of attention to detail before the first performance even began.
Having now had some time to reflect on the experience, it’s easy to appreciate just how much work went into bringing the production together, and what a rewarding experience it was to be part of it.
From the outset, the aim was to create a production that matched the energy, ambition and sheer talent of the young performers on stage. The cast at Made For Stage were fantastic, and it was important that the sound and lighting helped support their performances, enhance the atmosphere and bring the world of We Will Rock You to life.
Taking responsibility for both sound and lighting meant balancing two very different but equally important elements of the production. From creating the overall lighting look and feel to ensuring the sound supported every musical number, it was a challenge that required careful planning, collaboration and a lot of work behind the scenes. But looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Given the opportunity, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat!
Creative freedom and collaboration
One of the biggest highlights of this project was the creative freedom I was given by Simon Robinson and Victoria Lee. Having the trust and support to develop ideas and push the production elements further makes such a difference to the creative process.
The best results often come from collaboration, open conversations and the freedom to explore what’s possible. Of course, some of those conversations are even better when there’s pizza involved! 😝
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take my ideas and turn them into something that complemented the show so well. Projects like this are a great reminder of why I love working in live production — taking an initial concept and developing it into something that an audience can experience in real time.
The team behind the production
As with any live show, the finished result is only possible because of the people working tirelessly behind the scenes. While the audience sees what happens on stage, there’s an enormous amount of work happening out of sight to make sure every performance runs as smoothly as possible.
A huge thank-you goes to the entire backstage team, including my self-appointed A2, Rick! From swapping microphones and batteries to helping with set design and keeping the power flowing, there was certainly no shortage of jobs to get through. 🤣
A special mention also goes to Alex, my lighting operator, who did a fantastic job of executing the lighting design consistently across every performance. Having someone you can trust to deliver the design as intended is invaluable, particularly during a fast-paced production.
Thank you as well to Jack and Lucas, our followspot operators, who kept the performers perfectly picked out throughout the show from their position up in the gods. It’s an important role that can make a huge difference to the overall presentation of a musical.
And, of course, thank you to Tom Marsland for the excellent stage management. Keeping a show of this pace running smoothly takes real organisation and attention to detail, and Tom did a brilliant job of making it all happen — while also being a great person to catch up with over a pint!
The equipment and production elements
The final look and feel of a production is rarely down to one element alone. It’s the combination of lighting, sound, visuals, equipment and the people operating them that brings everything together.
For We Will Rock You, the additional moving spotlights and wash fixtures supplied by Prolight Group helped expand the lighting design and create greater impact across the stage. Having the right equipment available makes it possible to develop a more dynamic visual environment that complements the action and energy of the performance.
A big thank-you to MSL Group for supplying the followspots, helping Jack and Lucas do their job throughout the run.
The video wall and graphic designs supplied by Dave D Events were another important part of the production. They added an extra visual dimension to the show and helped take the overall presentation to another level.
I’m grateful to everyone who contributed equipment, expertise and time to help achieve the final result. Successful productions are built on these partnerships just as much as they are on the creative design itself.
Sound, music and performance
No production of We Will Rock You would be complete without an incredible band, and the musicians played a huge part in bringing the show’s energy to life.
A massive thank-you to the band and our Musical Director, Karl Pendlebury, for their talent, hard work and contribution throughout the production.
It was also fantastic to see the wider Made For Stage creative team’s work come together, from the choreography and vocals through to the performances themselves. The amount of talent on display was genuinely impressive, and seeing all those individual elements combine into one cohesive production was a real highlight.
Ultimately, sound and lighting design are there to support the performance. The technology, equipment and creative decisions should enhance what’s happening on stage, allowing the performers and the story to remain at the heart of the experience. This production was a brilliant example of what can happen when all those elements work together.
Looking back — and looking ahead
With some distance from the busy week itself, We Will Rock You remains a project I’m incredibly proud to have been involved in.
It was a fantastic opportunity to develop and deliver both sound and lighting designs, work alongside a talented creative team, and help create an experience that did justice to the performers on stage.
It also reinforced something I value enormously in live production: the importance of collaboration, trust and having a team of people who are passionate about what they do. The final result is always bigger than the contribution of any one individual.
A final thank-you to everyone involved in making the production happen, and to Danielle Francesca for capturing some fantastic photographs that help preserve the memories of the show.
With We Will Rock You now behind us, attention turns to the next project: Footloose in 2027. If this production is anything to go by, there’s plenty to look forward to!
A brilliant project, an incredible team, and another reminder of why I love what I do.
Planning your next production?
Whether you’re planning a musical, theatre production, live event or something a little different, I’d love to hear about it.
From sound and lighting design through to creating a complete production look and feel, I’m always excited to work with creative teams to bring their ideas to life.
Have a project in mind? Get in touch to discuss how we can work together to make it happen.
