Dunottar School has raised the bar for school productions with a visually and technically ambitious staging of Les Misérables, delivering a show that audiences described as “almost like watching a West End performance.”
Technically led by Ted Swan, Theatre and AV Manager, and working collaboratively with Director of Drama Sarah van Duijvenvoorde and Director of Music Laura Channell, the production formed the centrepiece of the school’s centenary celebrations. The brief was clear: create a showstopping experience that matched professional theatre standards while operating within the constraints of a school environment.

“We wanted to go a step further,” said Swan. “It’s our 100th year, so we needed everything to feel brilliant and as impactful as possible.”
Despite having a dedicated theatre, Dunottar faced technical challenges. Limited rigging capacity and weight restrictions required careful design decisions to maximise visual impact without compromising safety.
Working collaboratively with White Light, Swan selected lightweight yet powerful fixtures such as Ayrton Diablo fixtures. This approach allowed for a denser, and more dynamic rig while staying within structural limits.
“We had to be really careful with what we could hang,” Swan explained. “The guidance from White Light helped us choose the right tools to still achieve the effects we wanted.”
The design extended beyond traditional overhead rigs. For the first time, lighting fixtures were integrated directly into the set, including blinders and side lighting positioned within the staging itself. Custom rigging points were engineered into the set build, creating new creative possibilities and enhancing the visual storytelling.

The production drew inspiration from established professional staging, incorporating a tiered set design reminiscent of Evita, constructed by Steel Deck. Combined with a fully mic’d live band, including musicians with West End credits, the result was an immersive and authentic theatrical experience.
Swan’s vision was rooted in his professional theatre background and a commitment to giving students access to industry standards.
“I want them to experience what real theatre looks and feels like,” he said. “If they go on to further study or careers in the arts, it shouldn’t be the first time they encounter this level of equipment.”
White Light’s hire service played a critical role in enabling Dunottar to scale its production. Alongside an expanded lighting package and special effects such as low fog systems, the school benefited from responsive technical support and expert advice throughout the process.
“White Light’s support always proves invaluable under pressure, and we know we are in safe hands. I’ve worked with Adam Walker-Cheetham, WL’s Key Account Manager, for many years, and his level of responsiveness gives you complete confidence.”

Adam commented: “We’ve very much enjoyed working with Ted and Dunottar over the years. Our collaborative approach extends from initial planning through to design, with regular consultation ensuring the technical solution aligns with both creative ambition and budget constraints.”
“You can talk through ideas and find the right approach together,” Swan added. “There’s always a way to make it work.”

A key outcome of the production was hands-on student engagement with professional-grade technology. Students operated the ETC Gio @5 lighting desk, executing more than 480 cues during performances, while working alongside Swan in a real-world production environment.
This experience is central to Dunottar’s approach. By integrating industry-standard tools such as DiGiCo sound desks and advanced lighting systems, the school equips students with practical skills and confidence.

“They’re not just learning theory,” Swan said. “They’re actually doing it, using the same equipment they’ll see in professional venues.”
Audience response reflected the success of this approach, with feedback praising both performance quality and technical execution.
“The lighting elevated everything,” Swan said. “We achieved effects we’ve never been able to do before, and it made a huge difference to the overall production.”
For other schools considering how to balance ambition with budget, Swan’s advice is clear. “Trust the expertise available to you and invest where it matters. The impact on your production is enormous.”

Photo courtesy of Dunottar School