Lighting an icon: Sam Smith at the Proms

The importance of lighting a performance in a way that enhances rather than distracts was more crucial in this show than ever before. Our focus was on highlighting Sam Smith's incredible performance, making it the centrepiece. Our primary goal is always to ensure that the talent looks and feels amazing and, in their own words, ‘safe’, so for this show, specific lighting units were introduced to sculpt and define Sam and their stunning Vivienne Westwood outfits. 

With a stage full of world-class talent, the challenge was to balance the task of making the performers visible while also amplifying the emotion of the music. In this case, less was more, and we decided to be bold in using very few light sources. We collaborated closely with Sam, developing a concept for the show’s contrasting halves. We kept the first act clean and classy, while the second act transitions into saturated colours, introducing a pop aesthetic. 

One of the biggest challenges was to seamlessly blend the well-established aesthetics of the two brands. While it's common to integrate lighting for a single-song performance on a TV show, this was an entire two-hour event, making the task even more intricate. Flare collaborated closely with the Proms team, including lighting director David Bishop. Flare director Ben Cash worked closely with Bishop to ensure equal attention for both elements. Bishop provided insights on the orchestra's specific needs, while Cash focused on the requirements for Sam, their band, and vocalists. 

The collaboration began with an initial meeting with Sam, where we discussed our vision for the performance. As a lifelong fan of the Proms, Sam was particularly keen on ensuring that the first act was a full nod to the traditional Proms show. We decided that the lighting palette should remain within the warm tungsten spectrum for the whole of the first act, keeping our usual practice of accenting the music with lighting to a minimum. For this act, we focused solely on playing with levels and tones, which provided a consistent visual language that complemented the performances of songs from Sam’s first album, In the Lonely Hour. 

We explored various ideas, including drapes and other scenic and costume elements. During this creative process, Sam suggested incorporating large rose flower arrangements for the second act. The flower arrangements materialised beautifully, creating a striking contrast between the first and second acts and the idea evolved into each orchestra member wearing a corsage for the second act. 

Presenting these simple yet strong ideas to the Proms team was the next phase. This process required time and encouragement, given the complexity and tradition of the Proms. Navigating these discussions with respect for all parties involved was crucial. Working closely with the Orchestra leaders, the BBC camera team, the conductor and the many other departments was essential. 

In the end, our collaborative efforts culminated in a performance that was met with unanimous satisfaction. The event struck the perfect balance, leaving everyone, from the Sam Smith team to the Proms, and Sam themselves thrilled with the outcome. 

You can watch Prom 18: Sam Smith — In the Lonely Hour here.