Aldwych Theatre, London
Client: Bradbrook Electrical Services
Applelec Lighting’s LED Light Sheet has been used to discreetly illuminate the stained glass entrance canopy at the historic Aldwych Theatre, one of London’s most prestigious West End venues.
Key features...
1.
Applelec LED Light Sheet discreetly illuminates stained glass theatre canopy
2.
3700K warm white LEDs chosen to enrich gold-coloured leaded glass, after sample testing
3.
Custom-shaped panels fitted flush to maintain even illumination
4.
IP67-rated panels provide long-life lighting with low energy consumption
A signature feature of this Grade II listed building, the theatre’s gold-coloured leaded glass canopy features intricate draped bow detailing and forms a delicate focal point on the building’s façade. Despite being located in the heart of London’s neon-lit West End, the canopy had previously only been partially lit. Enhancing the stained glass with a low-energy, long-life lighting solution that preserved its original charm was essential to the project’s success.
Mark Bradbrook of Bradbrook Electrical Services, who has worked with the theatre for over 17 years, explained:
“We had tried unsuccessfully for many years to light the gold coloured leaded glass on the canopy of the Aldwych, and all light sources tried only distorted the colour of the glass. The canopy was also consuming a fair amount of electricity, and the new building manager and I took the project on to not only reduce the running costs but to achieve a new, clean, long-life light source.”
Following trials with Applelec’s LED Light Sheet, fitted with 3700K warm white LEDs, the colour temperature proved ideal—enhancing the gold tones of the glass without overwhelming them.
“The results were amazing,” Mark added. “The managing director and all theatre staff agreed the correct light colour had been achieved and to complete the job ASAP!”
To ensure uniform illumination, the panels were installed flush behind the glass. The tapered ends of the canopyrequired custom-shaped LED Light Sheet panels, which were individually fabricated to match the glass curves. A thin black aluminium backing was used for aesthetic integration within the open canopy structure.
Each panel was rated IP67, protecting against dust and water ingress. The use of thermally managed LEDs helped deliver the consistent, long-life lighting the theatre needed, while the new system reduced the electrical load to just 2.3 amps.
The result is a beautifully lit canopy that maintains the Art Deco charm and Edwardian elegance of the original 1905 architecture, while providing energy efficiency, safety, and reliability.
