As the festive season gets underway, theatres across the UK are preparing for one of the busiest moments of the year. PRG is supporting companies nationwide with the lighting infrastructure and technical guidance required to bring an ambitious and wide-ranging programme of productions to the stage.

Our theatre team, led by Director of Theatre Peter Marshall, with Account Managers Ian Phillips and Jason Hodgetts, has been the first point of call for the talented production teams across this year’s season. Their collaboration has ensured each show receives the focused technical support it requires. Project Planner, Connor Goodwin played a key role throughout, overseeing the preparation of all equipment and working closely with our logistics team to ensure that everything arrived on time and ready for the demands of each production.

A defining feature of this year’s work has been the exceptional demand for the PRG Icon Stage fixture. Its efficiency, flexibility and creative potential have made it a strong choice for many lighting designers. To meet this demand sustainably, additional units have been brought in from PRG’s EU network, allowing existing equipment to be utilised more effectively across our global inventory.

By redistributing stock rather than manufacturing new units, PRG continues to prioritise responsible, resource-efficient solutions for our clients and partners.

Working with Evolution Productions

PRG continues its long-standing relationship with Evolution Productions, one of the UK’s leading producers of regional pantomime. Under writer-director Paul Hendy, Evolution delivers a consistent creative identity across its Christmas season, supported by Technical Director Stuart Relph and Head of Lighting Dan Richardson, whose teams shape the visual language of each show.

This year, PRG supported four of Evolution’s major productions:

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs — The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

A major annual production for the Marlowe, featuring a large ensemble, live music and a strong comedic cast. The show is built around Evolution’s trademark balance of spectacle and humour, supported by a visually rich design.

Dick Whittington — Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

A classic story reimagined with detailed scenic elements, interactive moments and a tightly paced script from Paul Hendy. The creative team emphasises character-driven comedy and musical performance, with lighting adding texture to the varied settings the story travels through.

Aladdin — Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Known for drawing some of the biggest audiences in the region, Sheffield’s pantomime features large-scale choreography, transformation sequences and bold character design. The lighting design supports both the high-energy staging and the more atmospheric storytelling beats.

Peter Pan — Royal & Derngate, Northampton

A family favourite combining adventurous staging with flying effects, musical numbers and a strong ensemble. Lighting plays a central role in distinguishing Neverland’s different environments and supporting the show’s dynamic shifts in tone.

Together, these productions highlight Evolution’s commitment to high-quality regional theatre and the collaborative ethos that underpins their seasonal programme.

More Christmas pantomimes across the UK

Beauty and the Beast — Charing Cross Theatre, London

This adult reinterpretation of the classic tale is produced by He’s Behind You! and staged in the intimate setting of Charing Cross Theatre. Led by writers Jon Bradfield and Martin Hooper, director Andrew Beckett and Lighting Designer Matt Hockley, the creative team has shaped a vibrant and playful production with a distinct visual identity and fast-moving comedic style.

Photo credit: Steve Gregson

No Such Thing as Wolves — Birmingham Hippodrome

Created by the Hippodrome’s in-house team, this production offers a more contemporary seasonal experience, combining storytelling with a strong visual framework. The design approach balances atmosphere, movement and narrative clarity, with lighting playing an essential role in shaping the mood and pace of the show.

Treasure Island — Bristol Old Vic

Treasure Island: A New Musical Adventure brings a fresh creative vision to the stage, with Lighting Designer Jai Morjaria crafting an imaginative and dynamic visual environment. The design supports the production’s musical vocabulary, navigating moments of spectacle, intimacy and high-paced action with clarity and visual flair.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Theatre Royal Portsmouth

This large scale pantomime is one of Theatre Royal Plymouth’s major seasonal productions. It features detailed sets, vibrant costume design, striking visual effects and a strong ensemble cast, delivering a traditional Christmas favourite with plenty of character. The lighting design enhances the warmth of the fairytale world while supporting the bold comedic moments that drive the show.

Aladdin — Kings Theatre, Portsmouth

A highlight of Portsmouth’s festive programme, Aladdin brings together an experienced creative team to deliver a lively, family-focused pantomime. The production combines energetic musical numbers, well-shaped set pieces and classic comedy roles, with the lighting design guiding audiences between the show’s magical moments and its everyday settings.