News: Shows

Sparks supplies lighting to the theatrical world premiere of the critically acclaimed television favourite Midsomer Murders. Lighting Designer Matthew Haskins When well-loved spinster Emily Simpson is found dead in the picturesque village of Badger’s Drift, her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to accept it was an accident. DCI Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin Troy are called in to investigate, uncovering a world of hidden passions, long-buried secrets and deadly rivalries. With eccentric villagers, shocking twists and an unforgettable reveal, The Killings at Badger’s Drift is a classic whodunnit that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Bringing to life the wit,...

Sparks proudly supplied Lighting equipment for Clarkston’s run at Trafalgar Theatre Lighting Design by Stacey DerosierLighting supplied by Sparks Theatrical Hire Ltd On a journey West to rediscover himself, Jake unexpectedly meets Chris – a kindred soul hiding in a night shift at a Costco in a rural American town. As their bond deepens, so does their sense of adventure. Maybe they could finally give life new meaning by chasing something more – like the intrepid explorers Lewis and Clark before them. Clarkston is “a soulful meditation on the need for connection” (The Telegraph) – a modern frontier story that blazes a...

We’re proud to have supplied the lighting for the world premiere of 50 First Dates: The Musical, bringing the iconic rom-com to the stage for the very first time at The Other Palace, London. Lighting Design by Aideen MaloneLighting supplied by Sparks Theatrical Hire 50 First Dates: The Musical runs from 14 September – 16 November 2025. For more information visit: theotherpalace.co.uk 50firstdatesmusical.com What if every day was your first date? 50 First Dates: The Musical brings the heart, hilarity and tropical sunshine of the iconic rom-com to the stage for the first time ever. He’s falling for her every day — she’s forgetting him every night....

We’re proud to have supplied the lighting for the first major London revival of Mel Brooks’ smash-hit musical The Producers, transferring to the Garrick Theatre this autumn after a sold-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Lighting Design by Tim LutkinAssociate Lighting Designer – Harvey EbbageLighting supplied by Sparks Theatrical Hire Based on the cult classic film, The Producers took Broadway by storm, winning a record-breaking twelve Tony Awards. Overflowing with Mel Brooks’ trademark humour, it gleefully bills itself as an “equal opportunity offender” – a show that continues to delight audiences with its fearless comedy. The story follows down-on-his-luck producer Max Bialystock and timid accountant Leo Bloom as...

Born With Teeth makes its West End debut at Wyndham’s Theatre this summer, with lighting by Olivier Award-winning designer Neil Austin and equipment supplied by Sparks Theatrical Hire. Written by Liz Duffy Adams, this sharp and daring play imagines the relationship between Christopher Marlowe – brilliant playwright and spy – and the ambitious young William Shakespeare, set against the treacherous backdrop of Elizabethan England. Directed by RSC Co-Artistic Director Daniel Evans, the production stars Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who, Sex Education) as Marlowe and Edward Bluemel (Killing Eve, My Lady Jane) as Shakespeare, in a thrilling battle of wit, words, and power. Playing for 11 weeks only from 13 August, Born With Teeth promises...

It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the lighting team and renowned lighting designer Paule Constable on the National Theatre’s West End transfer of the smash-hit production Till The Stars Come Down. Lighting supplied by Sparks Theatrical Hire LtdLighting Designer: Paule ConstableTill The Stars Come Down – The Haymarket Theatre It’s Sylvia and Marek’s wedding and you’re all invited. Over the course of a hot summer’s day, a family gathers to welcome a newcomer into their midst. But as the vodka flows and dances are shared, passions boil over and the limits of love are tested. This ‘utterly unmissable theatrical event’ (WhatsOnStage), written by Beth Steel (The House...

We’re delighted to be working with The Bridge Theatre again, supplying the lighting for the return of A Midsummer Night’s Dream — a spectacular, immersive production lit by the brilliant Bruno Poet. With its dreamlike world of flying fairies, contagious fogs, and moonlit revels, this unique staging invites audiences to step right into the heart of the action. Lighting supplied by Sparks Theatrical Hire LtdLighting Designer: Bruno PoetA Midsummer Night’s Dream – The Bridge Theatre For more information visit: bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/a-midsummer-nights-dream

Fresh from a smash-hit run on Broadway, Stereophonic — the most Tony-nominated play of all time — is now playing at the Duke of York’s Theatre for a strictly limited season. Set in 1976, this critically acclaimed production takes audiences into the heart of a band on the edge, capturing the highs and lows of a recording session like no other. We’re proud to be supplying the lighting for this West End run, working closely with lighting designer Jiyoun Chang and the fantastic lighting team to help bring this dynamic world to life. Lighting supplied by Sparks Theatrical Hire LtdLighting Designer: Jiyoun ChangStereophonic – Duke of York’s...

Following a critically acclaimed, sold-out season in Edinburgh, The Fifth Step makes its West End debut at @sohoplace. Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden reprises his role as Luka, joined by Emmy, BAFTA, and SAG Award-winner Martin Freeman as James in this intense and compelling two-hander. We’re proud to be supplying the lighting for this production, working closely with lighting designer Lizzie Powell and the lighting team to create the show’s striking atmosphere. Lighting supplied by Sparks Theatrical Hire LtdLighting Designer: Lizzie PowellThe Fifth Step – @sohoplace After many years in the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, James agrees to become the sponsor of newcomer Luka. On the...

Exploring themes of integrity, betrayal, and the personal cost of success, Retrograde poses the question: what would you sacrifice to achieve your dream? We’re proud to supply the lighting for this compelling production, working with lighting designer Amy Mae and the lighting team to bring the story to life at The Apollo Theatre. Lighting supplied by Sparks Theatrical Hire LtdLighting Designer: Amy MaeRetrograde – The Apollo Theatre Hollywood’s so-called Golden Age. Ten years before becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar, a young Sidney Poitier arrives to sign a life-changing contract that could make him a star. But there’s a catch. As he becomes...