White Light (WL) fixtures shine bright for The Lost Estate: Paradise Under the Stars

White Light (WL), a d&b solutions company, is proud to have supported the latest immersive production from The Lost Estate: Paradise Under the Stars. Set in a reimagined 1950s Havana, this Cuban cabaret experience has transformed a “secretive” venue in London’s Earl’s Court into the iconic Tropicana Club since March 2025.

Lighting Designer Peter Small, a long-standing creative partner of The Lost Estate, was once again tasked with shaping the visual world of the production. To realise his ambitious lighting concept, he partnered with WL to supply a comprehensive lighting package, including a substantial amount of period-authentic fixtures.

With a setting steeped in rhythm, romance, and rich folklore, Small’s approach was rooted in capturing the explosive energy of 1950s Havana through light. “The vision was to create a transportive, immersive atmosphere—one that celebrates the colour, texture and vibrancy of Cuban nightlife,” he explains. “We wanted every lighting cue to support the feeling of being swept into a living, breathing paradise.”

The lighting design plays a key role in shaping the emotional arc of the evening. Working across a dynamic, multi-perspective space, the rig was designed to guide focus, manage visual rhythm, and maintain clarity within the show’s layered choreography. Colour was used both symbolically and atmospherically, drawing from detailed historical research to construct a palette that was bold yet cohesive.

“To balance energy and emotion, we built in moments of contrast – quiet, intimate scenes offset against high-octane musical numbers,” Small adds. “This ensured each moment landed with full impact.”

Authenticity was key. The lighting rig featured period-appropriate Fresnel fixtures, positioned low and close to the audience to evoke the warmth and intimacy of a mid-century nightclub. “Every detail mattered,” says Small. “We wanted the audience to feel as though they had stepped into a genuine 1950s venue – not a modern interpretation.”

Collaborating closely with Production Electrician James Smellie and the wider creative team from early stages, Small faced the unique challenge of working with a monochrome set – where all depth and emotion needed to be delivered through lighting alone. “This required a high degree of planning, along with a diverse and dynamic lighting rig,” he explains. “With a white set as our canvas, we relied on multi-spectral fixtures and layered cues to transform the environment moment by moment.”

To balance the period aesthetic with the technical demands of immersive storytelling, the team incorporated a blend of traditional and innovative tools. Pixel tape, Vari*Lite VL500DB Tungsten, and vintage-inspired cabochons were used alongside automated tracking solutions such as Zactrack, which allowed precise, seamless followspot functionality within the performance space. “Zactrack was instrumental in tracking performer movement, allowing for seamless cueing in a constantly shifting environment. Tom Davis’ programming was exceptional,” Small notes.

Throughout the design process, WL provided end-to-end support, working closely with the creative team to source and deliver a robust and responsive lighting solution. “WL has been a trusted partner on many of our productions,” says Small. “Their attention to detail, deep technical knowledge, and commitment to supporting our creative goals make them integral to our process.”

Dom Yates, Head of Lighting at WL, adds: “This production presented a unique challenge, requiring a carefully curated rig that avoided modern LED multi-emitter fixtures. Drawing from our extensive inventory, we supplied a bespoke package including Martin MAC Quantum Profiles, Chauvet COLORdash, ETC Source 4 Series 2 Lustrs, Birdies, Minuette Fresnels, Cantata Fresnel, and the ETC Gio @5 console. We even reintroduced the Vari*Lite VL500DB Tungsten to help capture the precise atmosphere the team envisioned. It was a meticulous process, but one we were proud to support, and the results speak for themselves.”

When asked to share a favourite moment from the production, Small reflects on the emotional high point of the show: “There’s a scene where the pace slows, and the whole room holds still. It’s a rare breath in the whirlwind, and then, slowly, the energy builds to an explosive crescendo. You look around and see every face lit with joy, pride, and fulfilment. That shared moment makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

With critical acclaim and audience praise following its debut, Paradise Under the Stars continues to shine brightly, and White Light is proud to have played a role in bringing its story to light!

Produced by: The Lost Estate.

Lighting Designer: Peter Small.

Lighting Programmer: Tom Davis.

Lead Production Electrician: James Smellie.

LX1: Benjamin Vetluzhskikh.

Production Electricians: Bradley Halliwell, Alex Walton, Sophie Telfer, Jacob Gowler, Jack Hathaway, Jen Garland, Em Crochetiere.

Photo: Courtesy of Hanson Leatherby.