New Adventures with White Light for Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

As Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake continues its landmark 30th anniversary tour, White Light (WL) is proud to once again supply the lighting rig for this iconic production. Since its groundbreaking premiere, this bold reinvention of Tchaikovsky’s classic has become the most successful dance theatre production of all time. First staged at Sadler’s Wells in 1995, it has since become the longest-running full-length dance piece in both the West End and on Broadway, earning over thirty international accolades, including Olivier and Tony Awards.

Featuring a lighting design by Paule Constable, Swan Lake continues to captivate audiences with its visual storytelling. WL is honoured to support the tour, ensuring the lighting design is delivered with precision and consistency across every venue.

As the production continues to travel to theatres across the UK, WL caught up with production electrician Rich Mence to explore the technical elements behind the scenes. His expertise ensures that each performance, whether in Aberdeen or Shanghai, delivers the same breathtaking impact envisioned by Paule.

“Touring a show of this scale is complex,” says Rich. “No two days are the same for a production electrician, but the setup follows a precise rhythm. We’re moving seven trailers of gear weekly, adapting to vastly different venues, and still delivering a consistent, beautiful show night after night. That’s only possible through meticulous planning, flexible design, and a team that works as one.”

From the outset, WL collaborated closely with Rich and the creative team to translate Paule’s design into a practical, tour-ready system. From developing a detailed shop order to prepping the rig at WL’s warehouse, every fixture – from ETC’s Gio @5 console to Luminex’s Luminode 12 DMX nodes—is tested, addressed, and ready to perform.

“WL’s infrastructure kit; especially the Prolyte S36 pre-rig truss and Luminex nodes, has been instrumental in streamlining our load-ins and maintaining system integrity across venues,” Rich explains. “It’s about working smarter, without compromising the artistic vision.”

Each venue presents its own spatial challenges, particularly in terms of auditorium size and proscenium width. These variations require constant adaptation of front-of-house lighting positions to preserve the integrity of the original design. Once optimal positions are identified, Chief Electrician Yoshi leads the relight process, ensuring the show maintains its visual consistency regardless of the venue.

One of the production’s most rewarding technical achievements is a subtle yet sophisticated lighting transition during a nightclub scene. A flown lighting position reveals a hidden bank of ColorForce II LED battens, replacing a previously cumbersome LED wall.

“It’s a cleaner, more efficient solution that enhances the scene whilst simplifying the rig,” Rich notes. “That’s the kind of innovation that makes touring sustainable and satisfying.”

WL’s Business Development Manager Stuart Porter adds: “It’s been incredible to work once again with Rich and continue supporting Swan Lake’s tour. We’ve partnered with New Adventures for many years and are proud to supply lighting for such a ground-breaking British dance-theatre company.”

Beyond the technical, the tour is a celebration of community and collaboration. From local crews to international venues, the production thrives on shared expertise and mutual respect.

“We’re lucky to work with incredible people across the UK, Europe, and Asia,” says Rich. “It’s a privilege to share this show with so many audiences, and to do it with a team that values excellence, creativity, and care.”

As Swan Lake continues its journey, WL remains committed to supporting productions that inspire, challenge, and connect – on stage and behind the scenes.

Photography by Johan Persson.