And, along the way, they got to discover both how to get to White Light's new base in Wimbledon, London SW19, and how the facilities offered by that new base are allowing this leading lighting hire and sales company to serve their customers with greater efficiency than ever!
That was the plan behind White Light's Open Day, held on Friday January 11th. And, judging by the list of people who attended, it was a huge success. "We had close to one hundred visitors," notes White Light's General Manager, "many of whom hadn't had the chance to visit our new building since we move here last October. I think they were quite surprised at the difference between our old base in Fulham and where we are now - but were relieved to discover that all of the familiar White Light faces they know are still here. Albeit all with a little more room to work in!"
Amongst those found exploring the new facilities were theatre lighting designers Simon Corder, Rick Fisher, Mike Gunning, Geoff Joyce, Jenny Kagan, Bruno Poet, Nick Richings; television lighting designers Bernie Davies and John Watt; production electricians Alistair Grant, Gerry Amies, Tony Simpson; staff members from the RSC, the National, Guildhall and LAMDA as well as many other West End and regional theatres. Other guests included representatives from White Light's many suppliers, including Mark White from ETC, Don Hindle from CCT, Francois Juliat from Robert Juliat and Claus Puggard from Martin Professional. "We did notice that we also had visitors from some of the other rental companies, presumably just checking up on how we were doing!" comments Bryan Raven.
Guided tours of the new building, which includes 35,000 square feet of warehouse space, 10,000 square feet of office space and ample parking with easy truck access, let visitors to see how it has allowed all of the members of the White Light Group, including White Light Hire, White Light Sales, The Moving Light Company, The Service Company, Colourhouse and Modelbox to be brought together under one roof for the first time. Many of the latest products offered by the companies, including the full range of Robert Juliat followspots and the new framing shutter version of the Martin Mac2000 spotlight, were on show - as was the fully prepared rig for the west end production of The Full Monty, due to leave White Light for the Prince of Wales Theatre the following week.
Those who didn't make it to the open day - especially those who have yet to find the new building - are invited to visit at any time! Full details of how to find White Light in Wimbledon can be found at the White Light web site, www.whitelight.ltd.uk, or by calling the new telephone number 020 8254 4800.