White Light recently supplied the lighting for the West End production of Shadowlands, currently playing at the Aldwych Theatre, with lighting design by the acclaimed Howard Harrison. Renowned for his thoughtful and meticulous approach, Harrison has crafted a design that supports the production’s emotional depth and guides audiences through the contrasting worlds at the heart of William Nicholson’s play.
Having first worked on Shadowlands during its Chichester Festival Theatre run several years ago, Harrison approached the West End transfer with fresh eyes. The Aldwych presented an entirely different stage configuration and a more contained performance space, which shaped his creative process. The result is a refined and responsive design that enhances the production’s central themes of connection, grief and imagination.
“It was very much about responding to what is already in the play,” Harrison shared. “The story asks for a clear contrast between the warmth of Oxford life and the fragility that enters with Joy. Everything in the lighting followed that emotional journey.”
A key part of Harrison’s design relied on the Ayrton Rivale moving lights. He explains that the Rivale’s versatility was central to the show’s needs. “They can do everything. They have shutters, strong frost, excellent colour and they work as a spot, profile or wash. That flexibility was important, especially in a play with such subtle shifts.”
Alongside the Rivale units, the rig featured ETC Lustr fixtures, forming a streamlined and efficient toolkit that delivered consistency and control throughout the production. These fixtures proved especially valuable during the brief yet impactful transitions into the imagined world of Narnia, moments that demanded precision, balance and a strong sense of atmosphere within a limited amount of space and time.
“These scenes only last around a minute, but everything is happening,” Harrison said. “Dry ice, light, movement. The challenge was to make the space breathe even though it is physically quite tight. I think we achieved something that feels clear and immediate for the audience.”
Supporting Harrison throughout the process was the team led by Production Electrician Ben Nichols, supported by Michael Scott and programmer Leon Leitner. Harrison emphasises the strength of the collaboration. “They worked wonders in a very short timeframe. Everyone operated with real commitment and focus. The support was exceptional.”
The production’s tight schedule placed further importance on the quality and reliability of the equipment supplied by White Light. Harrison notes that the smooth technical process helped the team meet ambitious deadlines. “White Light gave me exactly what I needed. The equipment was excellent and the team were always available. It made the whole process far easier.”
Shadowlands has been warmly received by audiences and critics alike, with particular praise for the production’s cohesive visual language. For Harrison, the success lies in guiding viewers through Lewis’s personal journey while respecting the script’s understated power. “People seem to enjoy the world we take them to. That is always encouraging.”
White Light Head of Lighting Dom Yates commented: “We are delighted to have supported the lighting for Shadowlands, continuing a long-standing relationship with Harrison across many productions. We remain committed to empowering designers with reliable technology, expert support and the tools required to realise their creative vision.”
Shadowlands is now playing at the Aldwych Theatre for a strictly limited run, until 9 May.
