Return to the Forbidden Planet - Lighting

As is often the case with this show there were a large number of special effects. This meant that the basics had to be absolutely right. A standard two colour pastel wash with a good spattering of PAR 64s to give some primary colour punch. Additionally, the was a heavy dark blue wash on stage to give the space/night sky wash.

There were six sets of four PAR 36s to give movement and mood during songs. There were also four sets of four-step ropelights to give a sence of motion during the space flight. A bar of PAR 36 cans gave  a moody overhead light for some of the slower numbers and this was tilted by lifting the next downstage bar during the finale.

The Klystron was made up from a bundle of three static ropelights and a strobe.

Fuzz lights were used: two blue ones for the space station and two red ones for “Red Alert”

All of the special spots were done using Vari*Lite VL6Cs and the Monster eyes were done using two VL5s. Four Martin CX2s were used out front to add some extra colour and texture.

 A range of Par 16s were used for fill (eg footlights) and two 4-way birdie bars were used to accent entrances through the Air Lock. This was especially good for Aerial’s first entrance.

Lee lighting gels were used throughout and their colour numbers are shown in the rectangles on the design. Lighting circuit numbers are shown in ovals.