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Somerset Director Makes Eurovision Shine
15 May
Summary
- Somerset director designs shows for six Eurovision countries.
- He aims to elevate Eurovision's image beyond 'cheesy'.
- Four of his acts reached the final show on Saturday.
A stage director hailing from Somerset is currently shaping the visual spectacle for multiple Eurovision contestants. Dan Shipton, a co-founder of the creative studio Black Skull Creative, is collaborating with six different countries for their performances at the international song contest.
Shipton, alongside his husband and co-director Ross Nicholson, is focused on modernizing Eurovision's presentation, aiming to dispel its reputation for being 'cheesy' and instead enhance its potential for artist career development. Of the six acts he is supporting, four have successfully qualified for the final event scheduled for Saturday.
With twelve years of experience at Eurovision, including a role as creative director for the entire 2023 event in Liverpool, Shipton meticulously considers every aspect of staging. This includes lighting, video, props, and camera work, all developed in close conversation with the artists to realize their creative vision.
Viewers can anticipate a spectacular show, with Delta Goodrum set to utilize a prop previously employed by Beyoncé. The Eurovision 2026 final will be broadcast live on BBC One at 20:00 BST on Saturday.
