Full date (and place) of birth?

Leeds UK, 1978

Profession:?

Lighting Designer, Creative Producer & CEO

Your first job after full-time education?

Sound Engineer / Lighting Crew / Director / Designer

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Your work:

What inspired you to get into the world of lighting/video/audio/production?

‍Through getting involved in the theatre department in school, I was always super interested in music, computers and technology so it was a perfect fit for me!

Is there anyone you would describe as a mentor?

‍Yes Bryan Leitch

What’s your favourite touring memory?

‍Opening night of Justin Timberlake’s 2020 Experience tour, I put everything I had into that tour and seeing the audience reaction to what we created is something I will never forget.

What's your WORST touring memory?

‍Leaving opening weekend of the Dan and Shay tour when COVID shut it down.

And the funniest?

‍During an dark overnight programming session I once passed a bowl of already eaten edamame to the automation programmer by mistake...

Best guestlist justification request?

‍People know better than to ask for guestlist.

What have been the major highlights of your career to date?

‍Working on incredible shows with the many artists I have been able to call my clients over the years, I been part of creating some very epic moments.

Do you think there is currently enough practical encouragement of young production talent?

‍No, I think we need to encourage and share our knowledge more and to spot and develop and promote young talent.

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What people may not know:

What occupies your free time?

I love to cook!

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

‍Stella Artois. Who doesn’t love a cold one?

Whats the most inspiring thing anybody has ever said to you?

‍That a show that they had seen I created is what inspired them to get into the business.

Who would be your four ideal dinner party guests?

‍Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Reese Witherspoon, Beyonce  

What have you been up to during the Pandemic?

‍Creating new ways to bring fans and artists together, which lead to Fireplay’s Virtual Crowd.

Your favourite record of all-time (could be an album or single track)?

‍James Taylor – You’ve got a friend

What was the first gig you attended?

‍Chesney Hawkes

What would be your advice to a teenage you?

‍Take more pictures of the places you go.

What's the best piece of kit you've discovered over the past 12 months (and why)?

‍My Earpods, make I easy to pace around the room on those zoom calls and multitask.

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Closing questions:

What are your hopes for the future?

‍That we get back to live shows quickly and safely so that the industry can get back to doing what we do best and provide that little moment in time when everyone’s troubles and worries disappear and they get lost in the moment being entertained by their favourite performer, creating those memories that last a lifetime!

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

‍Always take opportunities that come your way, even if you don’t really know how to do it, say yes and figure it out as you go.

And finally, if you weren’t doing this, you’d be?

‍Unemployed.