The Hideout
Musical

Platform Theatre, Central Saint Martins

London, UK

April 2025

Directed by: Aimée Sweet
Lighting Design & Technician: Sheron Luo
The Hideout is an original musical set in an 18th-century smuggler’s tavern, exploring loyalty, survival, and temptation along the Kent coast. The production unfolded through an integrated design of light, sound, set, costume, and movement, creating an atmosphere where alliances shifted quietly in the dark.
Design Concept & Execution
My concept was grounded in 18th-century interior lighting research. I recreated the glow of candles, fireplaces, and lanterns through two custom-built chandeliers and a ground row of footlights, establishing the warmth of a tavern interior. A dual palette guided the design: golden candlelight for intimacy and a green-toned storm hue to suggest the sea’s danger.
Storm sequences were staged through a “window effect” — a profile spot with gobo and filter projecting shifting light into the tavern. In the tunnel scenes, each cast member carried a functioning lantern, designed to act as both prop and light source. A key moment came when the stage was lit solely by these handheld lanterns, producing a stark, intimate atmosphere.
Problem-Solving & Learning
To achieve the right balance of visibility and authenticity, I rebuilt the lanterns with internal LED panels, ensuring controllable intensity while preserving their period look. The chandeliers also required careful calculation of bulb numbers and wattage to achieve consistent coverage across the stage.
One limitation was the absence of follow spots, which made it difficult to highlight solo singers during ensemble numbers. A reviewer noted this, reinforcing an important lesson about visibility in musical theatre and prompting me to explore alternative solutions for future productions.
Outcome & Reflection
The lighting design became central to shaping the world of The Hideout. The contrast between warm candlelight and storm-lit green not only created atmosphere but also guided the audience through shifting moods and spaces. The moment lit solely by handheld lanterns was particularly striking — an image that stayed with both cast and audience for its intimacy and tension.
For me, the project was memorable not only for its technical craft but for the collective energy of the team. Even under pressure, we laughed, problem-solved, and pushed the work further together. I left the production feeling affirmed — that light can hold history, carry emotion, and at its best, help stories resonate more deeply with those who witness them.
