New brighter lighting is being installed at the Players Theatre just in time for this year’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. This has been made possible thanks to funding from Thame Players’ sponsor, local law firm Lightfoots Solicitors.
The new lights are a lot brighter than the old ones due to improved optics and they use less energy, which means they are more environmentally efficient. They also produce less heat as the wattage is significantly lower than the old lights, they’re lighter, more flexible, and easier to maintain. Other advantages include the ability to alter focal length, zooming the lens in or out, as well as being able to project hundreds of lighting images, such as lightning or moonlight. It’s even possible to focus on a single actor’s face by using a device called an iris that slots into the lamp to make the beam of light even smaller.
Joe Middleton, managing partner of Lightfoots, said, “We’re delighted that our sponsorship this year is being used to enhance the lighting at the Players Theatre, Thame’s only dedicated theatrical and cinema venue. We are pleased to support Thame Players in this way, helping them to make technical improvements that ensure shows are better lit and create more impact for audiences. I am also delighted to announce that we will be extending our sponsorship of Thame Players in 2023, helping to ensure the theatre’s long-term survival as a a popular and valued cultural resource in the town.”
Steve Lambell, co-director of this year’s pantomime and a Thame Players trustee, said, “Lightfoots’ financial support is very welcome as we upgrade our lighting. Not only will shows be much better-lit, audiences will be more comfortable too, because the new lights dissipate heat rather than concentrating it over the audience’ heads. Pantomime audiences will be the first to benefit from the new lighting, but we’re looking forward to it enhancing future performances of both in-house productions and visiting shows.”
Thame’s foremost law firm has long connections with Thame Players, extending back to Thame Players’ formation in 1945, when the son of founder Edward Lightfoot, Jack Lightfoot, with two other returning PoWs, turned them into a regular performing group. Thame Players have flourished ever since, with a consistently good track record for local entertainment stretching back over 75 years.
