White Light (WL) is proud to have partnered with Birmingham Hippodrome, one of the UK’s leading cultural venues and a cornerstone of the city’s arts scene, by supplying a sustainable lighting package for a major upgrade to its Patrick Studio.
The Patrick Studio is a versatile performance space and is also used for research and professional development; where new ideas take shape, ready to tour nationally and internationally.
Leading the project on-site was Joe Price, Senior Electrics Technician, who has been part of the Hippodrome team since early 2022. Joe’s role spans all spaces within the venue, ensuring incoming companies and in-house productions achieve the highest technical standards.
The decision to upgrade the studio’s lighting was rooted in two of Birmingham Hippodrome’s core values: being Progressive and Sustainable. “We identified the studio lighting stock as a fundamental part of our offering to clients,” explains Joe. “While prioritising theatrical quality, it was equally important to move to LED sources to improve our environmental impact.”
The new intelligent LED fixtures not only reduce the venue’s carbon footprint but also unlock creative possibilities. “The biggest advancement has been our ability to more accurately recreate the vision of creatives within our space,” says Joe. “Modern intelligent lights give our technicians more tools to add colour, movement, and excitement; while also improving safety by reducing the need to work at height.”
Transitioning from tungsten to LED required careful planning around budget and infrastructure. WL worked closely with the Hippodrome team to design a solution that balanced technical ambition with financial realities. “Jonathan Haynes and the WL team have been fantastic partners,” Joe notes. “From product demos to detailed advice and multiple design iterations, they guided us through a complex process to achieve an install that will last and improve Birmingham Hippodrome for years to come.”
The fixed rig is anchored by ETC Lustr 3 Series profiles and ColorSource V Fresnels, supplemented by several S4WRD Color II retrofits. ETC Lonestar profiles introduce additional versatility, while the GLP Wildbar 16 units deliver an excellent wall wash and the capability to bathe the studio in a wide range of colours. Chauvet ColorBand Pix fixtures were selected to provide dynamic pixel effects.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive; from technicians eager to explore new creative tools to companies reimagining their back catalogue of shows. Even audiences have noticed the difference, with productions now benefiting from richer, more dynamic lighting.
Jonathan Haynes, WL’s Senior Business Development Manager comments: “It’s been a pleasure supporting Joe in finding the right equipment for the project. Before arranging any demos, I took time to understand their specific needs, and it’s fantastic to see everything working seamlessly and to hear the positive feedback Joe has received.”
This project reflects Birmingham Hippodrome’s commitment to sustainability, technical excellence, and creative partnership; values shared by WL. Together, they have delivered a solution that enhances artistic expression while building a greener future for live performance.
Photo courtesy of Birmingham Hippodrome