Light Relief day - 24th April
What do Billy Elliot, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, We Will Rock You, Guys and Dolls, Spamalot, Evita, Les Miserables and Boeing, Boeing have in common? Easy - the Lighting Designers of these and many other shows will be donating a day's royalties to Light Relief on Light Relief Day, 24 April.
Light Relief Day is held in honour of the late Tony Gottelier, and is the brainchild of lighting designer Rick Fisher, who wanted a permanent way of remembering Tony.
Tony was instrumental in setting up the charity, which aims to help lighting industry professionals in times of extreme hardship. Rick, who as well as being a co founder of the charity is also chairman of the Association of Lighting Designers (ALD), says: "Like most freelance people, lighting designers and technicians only earn when they are actually working. So if, say, someone has to take time off to look after a family member, they lose their income - but usually can't claim on insurance."
Paule Constable is a freelance lighting designer with two children, who was helped a few years ago by Light Relief. She says: "My partner, a freelance in the theatre industry, injured his back and was hospitalised for five months. We were thrown into a situation where he could neither care for the children nor earn any money. I had to continue to work in order to support us, but couldn't afford to pay for the vital child care to allow me to do this. I used up all the savings and favours that I could - when I ran out of both, Light Relief stepped in to help me with my child care costs. I was absolutely desperate and have no idea what I would have done without this help."
"Tony was universally respected in the lighting arena," continues Rick, "and we thought it fitting that we dedicate a day to him, so that people can show their support to others in the industry. Many of us have done well out of our profession, and it's only right that we put some of that aside to help others."
Many LDs have already pledged their support - including the LDs of most West End shows - and other people and businesses in the industry are invited to participate as well. By Gift Aiding their contribution, Light Relief is also able to claim an extra 28% in tax relief.
Rick concludes: "Let's use all the incredible creativity in the lighting world to make the first Light Relief Day a big success!"
If you would like to join this worthy effort, you send your donations direct to Light Relief - and don't forget to Gift Aid it!