Last night, the winners of the OffWestEnd.Com Awards, better known as the Offies, were announced in an online Twitter ceremony hosted by Sir Patrick Stewart. The Offies recognise Off West End theatre in London, celebrating independent venues and recognising the artists who work in them. As a leading lighting supplier to theatrical productions all across the capital, White Light once again sponsored the award for Best Lighting Design. This year it has been won by David Plater for his superb work on Deathwatch at the Print Room.
Deathwatch was the first major revival of the classic play by Jean Genet, in a new translation by David Rudkin. It told the story of three young convicts who are forced to share a cell, locked within a world of dangerous rivalries… The revival received critical acclaim, with particular praise for David’s work, including “his work ensures that the darkest secrets of this cell are starkly illuminated” (WhatsOnStage), “superb lighting from David Plater (who) uses a range of lights to create interesting effects” (Live Theatre UK) and “David Plater’s lighting is definitely the stand-out element of the show” (Theatre Bubble).
Deathwatch at the Print Room
David, who in the past has been nominated for both Tony and Olivier Awards, was chosen from a shortlist of three which included Rob Mills for his work on It is Easy to be Dead at the Finborough Theatre and Jack Weir for his work on Bad Girls at the Union Theatre.
WL’s Managing Director Bryan Raven comments: “As a company, we are involved in various schemes that promote and celebrate all types of theatre. Whilst it’s important to recognise West End productions, it is equally important to promote the fantastic work being made in London’s Off West End scene. Therefore it’s with absolute pleasure that we’re able to sponsor this Award. David’s design on Deathwatch, which we actually supplied the equipment for, was really something quite special and it’s great that this has been recognised”.
Previous winners of the Award include Howard Hudson, who last year lit Kenneth Branagh’s Romeo and Juliet in the West End, Richard Howell, who has just lit Privacy starring Daniel Radcliffe in New York, along with Elliot Griggs, who lit Pomona at the National Theatre.
In his acceptance speech, David commented: “Thank you very much for this award. Thanks to director Geraldine Alexander, designer Lee Newby, Alex Ramsden and Charlie Oliver. A big thank you to Veronica, the Winters, Julia, Andy and everyone at the Print Room. A special thank you to White Light for their support on my production”.
Photos courtesy of Marc Brenner.