Most of my early theatre lighting work had to be non-professional because although I was fully employed as a Television Cameraman, highly restrictive trade union practices made it impossible for me to move into television lighting even though I tried hard. So in order to gain lighting experience, I joined amateur drama groups where I learnt a lot in a short space of time, much of which I was able to put to good use later in television so it was definitely of value.

When I became a television Lighting Director I was also able to work with talented performers in professional theatre as well and regard it as a great and exciting medium; nothing quite beats working for a live audience.