*Please note that, due to certain artistic differences, WL – The Musical has had to be postponed for the time being. We intend to offer a full refund to all 12 of you who purchased tickets. A revamped version of the show is expected to be announced on the same date next year…
For over 45 years, White Light has been the leading lighting supplier to West End and UK touring theatre. Now, for the first time in the company’s history, we are delighted to announce the long-awaited White Light – The Musical which will open in London’s West End later this year.
The inspiration behind White Light – The Musical comes from the company’s Managing Director Bryan Raven. He explains: “As a leading lighting supplier to West End theatre, we firmly believe this justifies our having a musical based upon the White Light story. Many a time I’ve walked down Shaftesbury Avenue and thought ‘what the West End really needs is a musical about a company that supplies the lighting equipment’. I’ve been talking about this idea for years just to be greeted with looks of bemusement so I think it was previously too radical a concept. However, I strongly believe we’re now in a place where audiences are ready for a White Light musical. Well, they’re getting it anyway”.
White Light – The Musical tells the story of how a small company in Fulham would grow to become one of the biggest theatre lighting suppliers to the West End and UK touring theatre. It will feature an original book and draw on songs from some of the world’s best known artists. Bryan explains: “In what we believe to be a clever move, we’ve ensured that every single song in the musical is called White Light. This includes White Light by George Michael, White Light by The Corrs, White Light by Gorillaz, White Light by The Velvet Underground and White Light(ning) by Def Leppard. We were warned this may become tedious but we’ve just ignored that. The only exception is Agadoo by Black Lace which will be used for the encore”.
The idea came into fruition following what can only be described as months of R & D. Bryan comments: “We met in the pub every Tuesday night to discuss the premise and how far we could go with it. By sheer coincidence, the more we drank, the more creative we became. We knew we were really onto something when the other six people in the pub said they’d come and see the show – something they reiterated when we bought them another round. In fact, we’re currently in negotiations for them to be part of the ensemble”.
The TBC artwork for this epic production.
Aside from the ensemble, the main cast is still to be announced but will feature a range of household names. Bryan adds: “We really wanted to ensure that whoever we cast were an accurate reflection of who we are in reality. This was particularly important for the person playing me. Sadly, Ryan Gosling wasn’t available so we’ll have to have a rethink”.
So far, the Production Electrics team has been confirmed as Martin Chisnall and Gerry Amies (with these industry veterans more commonly known as “Jurassic Sparks”). The Production Manager is Lee Batty whereas there will be open auditions for the lighting designer held at Wimbledon Village Hall later this month. Designers are asked to bring their tap shoes and at least two songs to the audition.
WL has also managed to scoop another influential industry figure for a critical role on the production. Bryan comments: “After working in this industry for over 45 years, we understand that the most important part of any show is the first night party. That’s why we’ve appointed the best party organiser in the business, Sue Uings, to come on board. Come to think of it, we’ve actually assigned more budget to the opening night party than the actual show itself so it better be good!”.
The show opens in July later this year and is expected to immediately extend following press night (critics are embargoed). Tickets are now on sale and they are expected to be sold out by midday today.
Bryan adds: “We’re realists here at WL and know that shows don’t run forever. However, if we could at least match the success of Les Misérables, then we would be satisfied. We are also in talks for a UK tour, US tour, Edinburgh Fringe run and, of course, the inevitable movie. Next stop Hollywood!”.