Threatre Royal Plymouth illuminated at night

Brief: Find a solution to light the exterior wall surfaces in addition to their existing projection 

Working with the existing lighting in place at the Theatre Royal, Essential Supplies looked to improve the visibility of the theatre as well as creating something eye catching and contemporary. 

Loving a challenge our team, led by Ewan Thomas who heads up our Technical Department, liaised with Matt Hoyle, a technician at the Theatre Royal who had suggestions of a flexible system with colour changing aspects. 

Looking into many solutions and products throughout the lighting industry the team came up with a winner and working closely with the theatre did a demonstration of the intended look. 

After being given the thumbs up final plans were drawn and products were purchased. We opted to use:   

13x Paladin wash panels, an IP65 rated luminaire with motorized zoom (below).


15x ZCL Bar 300 IP a versatile IP65 rated bar effect luminaire with zoom, (5) individual 60W RGBW 4-in-1 LEDs, and the new advanced collimator optic lens which produces a sharp 4° colour-changing beam from each lens (below). 

Both products were from Elation Professional. 

Each type of unit was selected for specific areas of the theatre roof space. With different throw distances and surface areas needing to be lit we wanted to ensure they had maximum impact. 

Both units are waterproof IP67, LED colour mixing, DMX controlled and incorporate a zoom function. 

Armed with the lighting, rigging and cabling our team spent a cold but enjoyable day on the roof of the Theatre Royal installing the finished product – working into the evening to ensure the lighting created the desired effect when the sun went down. 

Using the original theatre roof infrastructure and power supplies already in place we were able to achieve a quick and cost-effective installation solution.  

The finished look washed the exterior in colour that they can match to any theme of any productions, and even the Theatre royals brand colours. 

It was a great example of how a good collaboration can achieve amazing results. 

As well as a fantastic lighting effect we provide follow on support and help to the Theatre Royal to ensure the installation continues to enhance and complement the building.