Now set to become an annual event, the first Light Relief Day took place on 24 April 2007, when lighting designers were asked to donate a day's royalties from their current shows. Organised by lighting designer Rick Fisher, the day is in honour of the late Tony Gottelier, who played such a big part in setting up the charity.
Light Relief exists to help lighting designers and technicians during times of hardship and Chris Luscombe was a recent beneficiary. He says: "Working on Starlight Express in Edinburgh, I dislocated my ankle walking down some steps and faced the prospect of being unable to work for several months. However, the trustees at Light Relief were brilliant and the financial assistance they provided allowed me to have private physiotherapy treatment, which got me back to work much quicker than anticipated."
Rick hopes that more people and organisations will come on board next year, saying: "As the first event of its kind, Light Relief Day was a huge success and demonstrates how lighting designers are fully behindTony Gottelier's idea of having a fund to help members of the industry. It would be great to have more people coming on board - I would like to see the rental companies as well as more designers and suppliers next year."
(Lee Baldock)
