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White Light Really Got Sunny Afternoon

UK – Originally premiering at Hampstead Theatre in 2014 before transferring to the West End’s Harold Pinter Theatre for a two-year run, Sunny Afternoon tells the story of The Kinks through their legendary catalogue of songs. It features a lighting design by Rick Fisher, who approached White Light (WL) to supply the lighting rig for its latest UK Tour.

Directed by Ed Hall, the production captures the raw energy of the band’s rise to fame in the 1960s and 70s. Rick explains his creative vision for the show: “The aim has always been to make it feel like a club gig; as if your mates had rigged the lights for a show in a village hall. We wanted to stay true to that world while embracing the flexibility of today’s technology. The show remains musically outstanding, paired with Joe Penhall’s brilliant book that tells the story with humour and heart. It’s engaging, moving and ultimately a fantastic night at the theatre.”

The set, framed by walls of vintage speakers and a striking circular truss, evokes the spirit of rock & roll. Classic parcans remain central to the design, delivering the warm tungsten glow that defines the era, while modern LED fixtures and automated rigs ensure consistency across venues and streamline touring logistics. Rick adds: “We’ve evolved the design without losing its soul. New equipment gives us more functionality, but the looks remain simple and honest; never over-designed.”

WL’s role was pivotal in meeting the creative vision within the realities of a touring budget. By leveraging its extensive inventory and technical expertise, WL provided a rig that balanced authenticity with efficiency. LED battens and X-bars introduced subtle enhancements, reducing manual adjustments and supporting sustainable practices through energy-efficient solutions. This collaboration reflects WL’s commitment to creative partnership and technical excellence. As Rick notes: “WL was proactive from the start, offering solutions that worked within the constraints while never compromising on quality. Their support has been invaluable.”

One of the biggest challenges when touring a show is adapting to venues of different sizes. Rick explains: “Consistency comes down to having a great team on the road. We’re touring with two dedicated lighting professionals, Alex and Lara, who ensure the show looks its best in every venue. Their expertise keeps everything running smoothly and, so far, the tour has been going down really well.”

WL’s business development manager Stuart Porter comments: “Collaborating with Rick and the LX team on this tour has been a fantastic experience. We enjoyed delving into our extensive inventory to bring out heritage-style fixtures that reinforce the show’s period authenticity. At the same time, we introduced modern units to complement the distinctive look and feel of Sunny Afternoon, creating a design that blends classic character with contemporary innovation.”

Sunny Afternoon is more than a musical, it’s a celebration of community, music and storytelling. The tour has been met with glowing reviews and continues to captivate audiences across the UK.

photos: by Manuel Harlan

25th November 2025

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