Lighting Wizardry Wins Olivier Despite Unfinished Show

Lighting designer Aideen Malone has revealed that the acclaimed musical *Into the Woods*, which recently won an Olivier award for its lighting, was considered unfinished by her team. Malone expressed surprise at the award, noting significant details were incomplete due to severe time limitations. She described the production's lighting as central to depicting the forest's transition from a lush, inviting space to one of destruction and wasteland.

Malone, an Irish designer, found her calling in lighting after initially pursuing acting. A Dublin pantomime and school musicals sparked her interest, but she ultimately preferred collaborating backstage. Her degree in London covered various theatre roles, leading her to lighting, which she found to be a compelling blend of technical skill and creativity. She previously collaborated with director Roland Horvath and set designer Tom Scutt on other Olivier-winning productions.

Her extensive experience includes working on fringe productions and dance shows, where she enjoyed the sculptural aspects of lighting bodies in space. Malone prefers working with directors who are experimental and "prepared to try stuff," citing her positive experiences with devised theatre projects. The pandemic led her to pursue a master's degree, deepening her understanding of light sources and their impact on details like skin tones. She is drawn to natural daylight colors and enjoys projects that integrate architectural and theatrical lighting, seeing theatre lighting as a form of "magic."