JOHN RAINSFORTH

John is a lighting designer and graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (2011). With a career that spans over a decade, his work has been seen on stages across the UK and around the world, including Australia, China, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Thailand, and Norway.

John’s diverse portfolio includes large-scale international productions such as Swan Lake on Ice (Bangkok), The Nutcracker on Ice (Italy), and Peter Pan on Ice (World Tour), as well as UK-based theatre, touring, and pantomime. His credits include Aladdin (Croydon), Cinderella: A Fairytale (Northern Stage), Speakeasy (UK Tour), Some Enchanted Evening (Barn Theatre & Tour), Brotherhood and Soapbox Racer (Alphabetti Theatre), and many popular pantomimes for The Customs House, South Shields and UK Productions.

In addition to his professional design work, John is a visiting Lighting Designer and Mentor at the Guildford School of Acting, where he supports the development of emerging talent. His selected GSA designs include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Richard III, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: A Musical, and The Pirate Queen, among others.

He is a proud member of the Association for Lighting Production & Design and Equity, and remains committed to pushing creative boundaries through light and storytelling.

Awards & Nominations

• Nominee, 2025 UK Pantomime Association Award for Best Lighting Design – Mother Goose, The Customs House

• Nominee, 2023 BroadwayWorld UK Award for Best Lighting Design – Shakespeare’s R&J, Reading Rep

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