Thanks to the generous support of Backstage Trust, Northern Ballet has been able to undertake a critical upgrade of our touring lighting equipment. This vital investment builds on a previous capital award from the Trust in 2021 and brings our touring lighting in line with the rest of our state-of-the-art technical infrastructure.
Our commitment to maintaining the highest production standards goes hand in hand with our dedication to artistic excellence, innovation and storytelling. We are committed to attracting exceptional talent and collaborators from across the globe and strive to cultivate a supportive environment in which our staff can excel and continue to develop professionally.
Central to this is ensuring our teams have the right tools and equipment solutions that support their work and remove barriers to creative innovation. Up-to-date equipment is also essential in helping the next generation of technicians build careers in the creative industries.
The new console has now arrived, and our technical team is preparing to use it for the first time on tour at our upcoming performances of Gentleman Jack at Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre. Going forward, the new equipment will enable us to improve the quality of our main touring performances, beginning with Cinderella this autumn 2026 and continuing with Wuthering Heights in spring 2027.
Backstage Trust is a UK-registered charity founded in 2012 that provides grants supporting live arts, performing arts, and music. It focuses on funding capital projects, professional development, and youth engagement.
Executive Administrator at Backstage Trust
Helen Cave
“Delivering high-quality productions depends on having the right equipment, but in a world of constant technological change and rising prices, the cost of upgrading can be out of reach. We are really happy to be able to support Northern Ballet by providing a new lighting desk for their touring work, especially as this will help train the next generation of technicians."
Deputy Head of Lighting
Abbi Fearnley
"The new console will make a big difference to how I work. Instead of working around technical restrictions, we’ll now be able to realise the Lighting Designer’s ideas without compromise. This will raise the overall standard of what we can achieve on stage. From a teaching point of view, it’s also really important. I want the students we work with to get hands-on experience… This upgrade means we can offer more relevant, practical training."
Photos Emily Spencer.