In Memorium: Richard Pilbrow

The Central community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our graduate, Honorary Fellow and friend Richard Pilbrow. 

Richard Pilbrow was both a graduate and an Honorary Fellow of Central, as well as an internationally renowned stage lighting designer, author, theatre design consultant and theatre, film and television producer. He was a pioneer of modern stage lighting in Britain, and his work was seen in London, New York, Paris, Berlin, Vienna and Moscow. 

He was chosen by fellow Central graduate Sir Laurence Olivier to be lighting director and later theatre consultant to the National Theatre of Great Britain, and he was the first British lighting designer to design the lighting for a Broadway musical (Zorba). 

He was also the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Theatre Projects Consultants. Under his leadership, Theatre Projects became the pre-eminent theatre consulting organisation in the world, with its team of artistic, management, architectural, design and technical specialists combining to offer a unique service to those engaged in the planning and design of theatres, concert halls and arts centres. 

In 2016, Central established, through Richard’s generosity, the Richard Pilbrow Scholarship to support a young lighting designer at Central as they undertook the training necessary to embark upon their professional career. Of the scholarship that had been established in his name, Richard Pilbrow said at the time “Central started me off in the right direction on a career as a lighting designer, producer and theatre design consultant. Today, British theatre technology leads the world, and a great career awaits the committed and passionate young technician/ designer/ stage manager. I wish them every success.” 

Speaking of Richard Pilbrow’s enormous legacy and relationship to Central, the School’s Principal and CEO Josette Bushell Mingo OBE said: 

“Richard Pilbrow was an innovator and a visionary, and his passing is a huge loss to the industry he loved and served for so many years. On behalf of all at Central, I extend my sincerest condolences to Richard’s wife and family, as well as to his friends and colleagues at this difficult time. His work and legacy will continue to influence and impact theatre makers for generations to come.” 

Nick Moran, Course Leader for Theatre Lighting Design and Production Lighting at Central, said: 

“Richard Pilbrow made an enormous contribution to the world of performance during his long and very productive life. He was the founder of Theatre Projects, which began as a lighting hire company to supply equipment to shows that he either designed or produced, and went on to become perhaps the first major force in Theatre Consultancy in the UK, North America, and beyond. 

He was a celebrated theatre Lighting Designer in the West End and on Broadway, and I had the great honour of working with him on several of his UK shows, including Annie, Windy City and West Side Story.  

He was also the co-founder of the Association of Lighting Production and Design (founded as The Society of British Theatre Lighting Design in Rules Restaurant, Covent Garden, in 1961). 

But perhaps Richard’s lasting legacy, along with the theatre spaces he helped to design as part of Theatre Projects, will be his writing. His text book Stage Lighting Design, sub titled The Art, The Craft, The Life, has been the foundation text for several generations of lighting designers from all over the world. It was first published in 1997, and was based on his earlier text book, Stage Lighting, which came out in 1979, and still regularly leads tables of most popular lighting text books. 

Richard was a warm and generous human being, too, and his death will touch many, many people in theatre and beyond. He will be much missed by all who knew him. My deepest sympathies to his wife Molly and all his family and close friends.” 

Grace Carroll of Central’s Development team said: 

“Richard Pilbrow’s legacy at Central is immense, and we will remember him not only for his remarkable contribution to the world of stage lighting but also for his generosity in establishing the Richard Pilbrow Scholarship. His incredible body of work, alongside his dedication to supporting young talent, ensures that his influence will continue to illuminate the stage for generations to come.” 

Central extends its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.