About Olly.
Olly Whitehead is a theatre practitioner from the East Midlands, working across the UK.
Olly has worked on a variety of shows in roles ranging from Lighting Designer & Programmer through to Lighting Technician & Production Electrician.
Whilst working mainly in theatre, Olly has also ventured into other fields including Corporate & Live Events and is always on the lookout for his next challenge.
Olly started his Technical Theatre career through work experience and by volunteering his time with amateur groups and local theatre venues. His career soon developed when he completed his first run of a commercial pantomime at Loughborough Town Hall.
Since then, he has continued to work with Little Wolf Entertainment and Loughborough Town Hall, alongside working on a range of productions at venues across the Midlands and beyond.
Olly is currently employed full-time as a Lighting & Video Technician at Derby Theatre. He is also employed by Sheffield Theatres as a Casual Stage Technician.
Currently
Full-time Lighting & Video Technician at Derby Theatre
Programming & design
Programming is Olly's main specialism within lighting. He has extensive knowledge of ETC consoles and Eos software.
Alongside programming, Olly also works creatively as a Lighting Designer, bringing ideas and visions to life, as well as undertaking Lighting Technician and Production Electrician roles.
Training & qualifications
Level 3 Diploma in Production Arts (Technical)
BOA Stage and Screen Academy, Birmingham
He has also completed a range of additional qualifications and competencies, including:
- BS 7909
- IOSH
- First Aid
- Working at Height / Use of Work Restraint Trainer
- In-Service Testing
Olly is also a proud member of the Association for Lighting Production and Design (ALPD) (opens in a new tab).
Beyond theatre
On the water
Outside theatre and live events, Olly has a strong passion for water activities, from powerboating to jet skiing. He has completed a range of RYA powerboat courses and also holds a qualification enabling him to teach RYA powerboat courses.
On air
Away from the water, Olly also has a passion for broadcasting, with experience presenting radio shows across local radio and online platforms.
Selected credits
Productions Olly has worked on, grouped by the work he did on each. Where a production has its own page, it links to photographs and full credits.
Lighting Design
- 2024The Ferryman
BOA · The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham
Lighting Designer
Programming
- 2026The 39 Steps
Derby Theatre & Hull Truck Theatre · Derby Theatre & Hull Truck Theatre, Derby / Hull
Lighting Programmer
- 2025Kiss Me Quickstep
Derby Theatre · Derby Theatre, Derby
Lighting Programmer
- 2025Oliver Twist
Derby Theatre · Derby Theatre, Derby
Lighting Programmer
- 2024The Ferryman
BOA · The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham
Lighting Programmer
Production Electrics
- 2026Little Shop Of Horrors
Derby Theatre & Nothern Stage · Derby Theatre & Nothern Stage, Derby / Newcastle upon Tyne
Production Electrician
- 2025Kiss Me Quickstep
Derby Theatre · Derby Theatre, Derby
Production Electrician
- 2025Oliver Twist
Derby Theatre · Derby Theatre, Derby
Production Electrician
Technical Theatre
- 2025The Great Gatsby
Derby Theatre & Pitlochery Festival Theatre · Derby Theatre & Pitlochery Festival Theatre, Derby & Pitlochery
Lighting Technician
Have a production in mind?
Send an enquiry about the production through the contact page.