White Light (WL) has supplied lighting solutions for the 2026 production of Cats at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, supporting an ambitious new interpretation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic. Running from 25th July to 19th September 2026, the production reimagines the beloved musical through a fresh visual language that embraces the theatre’s unique outdoor setting.
Designed by Jessica Hung Han Yun, the lighting design plays a pivotal role in transporting audiences into the magical world of the Jellicle Cats, whilst responding to one of the venue’s most distinctive features: the transition from daylight to darkness throughout each performance.
When first approached to light the production, Hung Han Yun saw an opportunity to rethink the musical for a new generation. She comments: “It felt like it needed to be something completely different from the original. The whole creative and production team were brilliant in seeing a new approach to Cats and viewed it as an opportunity to inject a fresh vision into the show.”
Working closely with director & choreographer Drew McOnie and set, costume & wigs designer Sami Fendall, Hung Han Yun helped create an environment that feels both ritualistic and otherworldly, reflecting a world the cats have inhabited for years.
“The space needed to feel magical and ethereal, filled with endless possibilities. We worked closely to integrate light within the set and props, creating a world where anything feels possible.”
Lighting also plays a crucial role in supporting the musical’s emotional journey. From moments of vaudeville-inspired spectacle to scenes of danger, mystery and elation, the design continually evolves alongside the score and choreography.
“The most important thing the design needed to do was support the storytelling of the musical narrative throughout.”
The outdoor environment of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre presented both creative opportunities and technical challenges. Unlike a traditional theatre space, the show begins in natural daylight before gradually transitioning into darkness as the evening progresses.
“As a lighting designer, your relationship with light is completely different. The sunlight is there from the top of the show and slowly throughout the evening the darkness follows. You really track the story of the cats from sunset through to the appearance of the moon.”
This natural progression became an integral part of the storytelling, complementing the production’s themes of transformation and wonder.
Delivering the design required careful planning, with lighting positions influenced by the surrounding landscape, as well as the production’s moving set elements.
“At the park, there are certain locations where lights can be placed that are dependent on the position of trees and bushes. There are no overhead lighting positions either, so the way you approach the design is completely unique.”
Throughout the process, White Light worked closely with the creative team to provide the equipment and technical support needed to realise the production’s vision.
Commenting on the collaboration, Hung Han Yun said: “White Light has been brilliant and supportive throughout the process. It is always such a pleasure to work with their team, and collaborating on getting the kit right. It’s always appreciated how hard they work.”
WL’s Business Development Manager Stuart Porter comments: “We’re extremely proud to be back at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and working with Jessica and the wider lighting team to bring Cats to life. This year, they used bright new fixtures such as the Martin MAC Raven XIP, Chauvet Reve E3 Profile and GLP X5 Dot, which performed perfectly from daytime through to darkness.”
The result is a visually rich production that harnesses the unique atmosphere of one of London’s most iconic theatre venues, inviting audiences to step away from everyday life and immerse themselves in a world of mystery, music and imagination.
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July/August 2026 issue
2026 A1 Buyers Guide
