Reigate, Surrey – When Dunottar School set out to stage its most ambitious production yet—Shrek the Musical—Theatre & AV Manager Ted Swan knew he wanted to raise the bar. With a background in professional theatre and experience in the West End, Ted turned to White Light, a d&b solutions company (WL), to help bring a touch of theatrical magic to the school’s 480-seat venue.
Over three sold-out nights, the school’s production wowed audiences with a full-scale set, dynamic lighting, and immersive effects, all made possible through a carefully curated hire package from WL. The equipment included Ayrton Diablos, ETC ColorSource Spot V fixtures, Chauvet Cloud 9 foggers, Unique 2.1 hazers, and Magic FX Power Shot confetti systems.
“The kids are so talented—some of them have even performed in the West End,” said Ted. “I wanted to give them a platform that matched their ability. WL helped us do exactly that.”
Working closely with WL’s Senior Account Handler Adam Walker-Cheetham, Ted developed a lighting plan that balanced creative ambition with the technical constraints of the school’s venue. With limited rigging capacity, weight was a key consideration, making the Ayrton Diablo the ideal choice.
“We needed compact movers that could still deliver real punch,” Ted explained. “The Diablos were perfect. I used them to shutter in on a bridge, throw gobos across the stage, and create stunning beam effects through haze. The results were incredible.”
From initial planning to opening night, WL’s team provided hands-on support. When a fog machine failed just an hour before curtain-up, a replacement was delivered within 40 minutes.
“The service was amazing,” said Ted. “Every time I called, someone picked up. Whether it was technical advice or last-minute kit, WL was there. It was smooth, easy, and completely stress-free.”
For Ted, this production marked his first major project at Dunottar, and a turning point for what’s possible in school theatre.
“We’ve gone from school shows to full-scale productions. With WL’s support, we’re delivering experiences that rival professional venues. It’s opened up a whole new world for us.”
Adam Walker-Cheetham, Senior Account Handler at WL, comments: “It’s been a real pleasure supporting Ted and the team at Dunottar School. Helping them bring their creative vision to life with the right tools and technology is exactly what we’re here for. I first discovered my love for theatre at school, so it’s incredibly rewarding to play a part in inspiring the next generation, whether they are future audiences or future professionals in our industry.”
Photo courtesy of Dunottar School, Shrek the Musical