The Mandylights Team

Creatives

Head of Creative

Richard Neville

Richard is one of Australia’s leading lighting and production designers with a diverse portfolio of work over twenty years spanning entertainment, architectural, special event, corporate and light art markets. His work can be seen in the largest arenas and stadiums on world tours with Ricky Martin, The Backstreet Boys and China’s G.E.M., or at light festivals ranging from Vivid Sydney to the Chaoyang International Light Festival in Beijing.

Outside of traditional venues, Richard's designs have broken records at Ultra Music Festival in Miami, illuminated the world’s tallest building at New Year’s Eve on the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, lit the MacDonnell Ranges for Alice Spring’s Parrtjima festival and redefined the architecture of the Auckland Harbour Bridge with a permanent lighting installation. Other credits include twenty years of design for the massive Sydney Mardi Gras Party, touring productions of the musical Cats, design for Australian band Pnau and festivals including Floriade NightFest, creative direction of Dark Spectrum, the Moama Lights and other major immersive events.

Richard's diverse portfolio of work is testament to his passion for lighting and visual design across any and all disciplines. As a designer, he draws on his experience that ranges from professional musical theatre, concert touring, EDM festivals and immersive experiences and enjoys the challenge of applying his substantial skillset to any visual project.

Richard founded Mandylights - the region's first entertainment design company - in 2006, and today the company employs over forty full time staff across offices in Australia and the United Kingdom. The firm is renowned as a world leader in light-art design, has delivered concert projects to over sixty countries and designed everything from automotive shows in India to corporate parties on the beach in Fiji. Richard sits as CEO and Head of Creative at Mandylights which remains the largest company of its type in the region.

Designer

Tom Wightwick

Tom is an accomplished lighting and production designer, celebrated for his dynamic and creative approach in the field. With over five years of extensive experience, he has made significant contributions to the realms of theatre, concert-touring, immersive experiences, special events, and architectural lighting. His talent and expertise are showcased globally through his work with the Mandylights team, lighting the Sydney Harbour Bridge during Vivid Sydney, and playing a pivotal role in the opening and closing ceremonies of Sydney World Pride, as well as Elevate Sydney. His other design credits include lighting design for theatrical productions of "Les Miserables," "Strictly Ballroom," and "Oliver!", and associate design for "Poem of the Eternal City" in Uzbekistan, "Moama Lights," "Pnau," and "LEAP."

Tom's journey in the lighting and production industry began in high school, where he nurtured his passion from the age of 11 through his school's theatre program. His early career saw him designing for a variety of musicals, plays, and events across Sydney and throughout Australia. Subsequently, he joined Mandylights in 2021 and now works as a Designer, where he spearheads the creative development of several high-profile projects, consistently pushing the boundaries of lighting and production design to new heights.

Designer

Steve Bewley

With nearly two decades of experience in the dynamic realm of lighting, visual, and production design, Steve is a seasoned professional making significant strides in the industry.

Boasting an impressive portfolio, Steve has conceptualised and executed a diverse range of live events, showcasing his expertise in various disciplines including concerts for renowned artists, TV performances, architectural projects, and the creation of captivating light art

Throughout his extensive career spanning 21 years, Steve has collaborated with a plethora of high-profile artists in the music industry, playing a key role in designing headline festival appearances and contributing to the visual spectacle of world tours. His passion for innovation and commitment to excellence continue to set him apart in the ever-evolving landscape of lighting design.

Production Designer

Tanwee Shrestha

Designer

Tom Edwards

Tom Edwards career as a lighting and production designer has seen designs realised for Jamie XX, Joey Bada$$, Beastcoast, Wu Tang Clan, Joshua Basset and Sam Fender. Tom’s work in special events has included lead design roles on special events in Dubai, Lighting multiple mountain ranges and areas of interest within Al Ula for it's annual Glow Light Festival and even the launch of an entire city in Samarkand, Uzbekistan as part of the Eternal City Opening Ceremony.

Tom's passion for lighting grew from a young age which saw him working on school theatre shows at the age of 14 before going on to traversing the globe on numerous world tours, collaborating with an extensive array of artists spanning diverse music genres. This extensive exposure has been pivotal in shaping his nuanced design aesthetic, a seamless blend of artistic vision and technical expertise.

Associate Technical Designer

Kirra Tougher

With a passion for lighting, Kirra joined Mandylights in May 2022 after completing a diploma in Live Production and Technical Services from RMIT. Kirra has 3 years of freelancing experience in lighting live music venues across Melbourne and is well-adapted to her role as an Associate Technical Designer. She especially enjoys troubleshooting lighting networks, thinking on her feet, and technical/lighting design.
Kirra is passionate about her role as well as the entertainment industry and prides herself on her strong work ethic and personal growth abilities.
Technical Designer

Alex Hughes

Alex Hughes is a highly skilled Technical Designer at Mandylights, renowned for his innovative contributions to the field of lighting console systems and training. Based in Melbourne, Alex has been a pivotal full time member of the Mandylights team since mid 2020. His journey with Mandylights, however, began much earlier; Alex first worked with the company as a casual in late 2014, showcasing his exceptional talent and passion for lighting early in his career.
Alex's proficiency lies in his deep understanding of control systems and his enthusiasm for interactive lighting installations and problem solving. His work reflects a perfect blend of technical knowledge and creative flair, making him an indispensable asset to Mandylights. Over the years, Alex has played a crucial role in numerous projects, elevating each with his unique perspective and technical acumen.
His approach is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and a relentless pursuit of innovation. Alex's ability to foresee and adapt to the evolving trends in lighting technology has made him a respected figure in the industry. His work is not just visually stunning but also technically robust, often pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of lighting and control.
In lighting design community, Alex is known for his collaborative spirit and his eagerness to share knowledge. He frequently engages with other professionals and enthusiasts, contributing to the growth and evolution of the lighting design industry. Alex Hughes' blend of technical expertise, creative vision, and dedication to his craft makes him a standout Technical Designer, continually lighting the way towards the future of interactive installations and design excellence.
Associate Technical Designer

Abbie Belling

Technical Designer

Liam Ashton

Fabricator

Cecily Portelli

Cecily has created artwork for Mandylights and the events and theatre industries for the past 5 years. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from NIDA and a diverse skill set, Cecily is a has a passion for bringing artistic visions to reality through collaboration with creatives and makers to bring conceptualised designs to life and fabricate works for local and international audiences.

With expertise in woodworking, metalworking, leatherwork, bookbinding, and more, she excels in mixed-material workshops, maintaining specialized tools, and adhering to strict timelines.

Cecily has played an important role in projects like Vivid and Floriade Nightscape.
Her freelance work on notable projects in the Indie theatre space as well as on Triple J Unearthed music videos showcases her adaptability and creativity.

Creative Lead

Nick Goulden

Project Management

Carly Reid

Head of Projects

Senior Project Manager

Kelly Burgess

With over a decade of experience in the private sector, Kelly has held many successful global positions where she managed and delivered digital projects, immersive experiences, and exhibitions for various national and international organizations.

As part of the Mandylights team, Kelly works collaboratively to lead and deliver extensive and complicated projects for Sydney World Pride, Vivid Sydney, and multiple immersive light experiences. As a Senior Project Manager, she brings years of expertise and a multifaceted skillset to the table, ensuring an exceptional outcome on every project she oversees.

Project Manager

Nawal Irani

Nawal brings ten years of experience across a broad range of industries, including education, public relations, museums, and film. She has worked with renowned organisations such as Museums Victoria, Multicultural Arts Victoria, and international firms such as fischerAppelt and Weber Shandwick.
Nawal holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication and a Master of Arts degree in Arts and Cultural Management. She adeptly integrates her academic expertise with her professional background to refine her proficiency in event planning, client coordination, and project management.
Nawal leverages her cross-cultural expertise and academic insights to drive impactful projects in Australia, Jordan, and Qatar.
Project Manager

Ben Hathaway

Ben Hathaway is a seasoned Project Manager at Mandylights with a robust professional background spanning over eight years. Specializing in project management, product development, marketing, and sales since 2014, Ben brings a wealth of experience and a proactive mindset to his role. Armed with a Bachelor of Business and Commerce degree and qualifications in project management, he seamlessly blends his expertise in marketing and project management cultivated in the automotive industry. Ben's commitment to delivering high-quality results and his adept management skills make him an invaluable asset at Mandylights, ensuring the successful execution of projects and contributing to the company's overall success.

Production & Resources

Patrick Dinsmore

Head of Production

Senior Technician

Alex Swinden

Alex has been working with Mandylights since 2016 and is currently in the role of Senior Technician.

Before events, Alex dabbled in the worlds of Welding and Fabrication as well as Air Conditioning technician. These experiences allowed him to develop invaluable skills in creating, building, and maintaining some of the company's most awe-inspiring artworks and installations.

When it comes to bringing visions to life, Alex thrives on pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box. Whether he's crafting intricate light displays or ensuring flawless execution of complex projects, Alex prides himself on delivering excellence every step of the way.

Alex has a passion for technology and artistic expression and knows that it is what sets him apart in this field. With an innate ability to fuse technical expertise with creative flair, Alex brings a unique perspective to each project, leaving audiences captivated.

Jules Bisschoff

Technician

Head of Assets & Resources

Tim Morton

Tim has over two decades experience in the events industry where he has made his mark through expertise in operations, logistics, procurement and warehouse optimisation.

Tim is known in the industry for his remarkable problem solving, operational efficiency and relationship-building skills. Tim has the ability to seamlessly navigate and resolve complex challenges and lead high-performing teams. His unique set of skills has been instrumental in ensuring the success of thousands of global events.

Warehouse Supervisor

Glen Hall

Glen's career has taken him from being a detail-oriented Store Person to a tech-savvy mechanist and a hands-on Senior Technician Supervisor.
As the Warehouse Supervisor, Glen ensures everything leaves and returns to our warehouse smoothly. With a knack for logistics and leading crew, Glen brings warehousing expertise and structure to the Mandylights warehouse.

Tim Roper

Technician

Dane Wang

Production Coordinator

Senior Warehouse Technician

Andrew De Cesco

Andrew is a seasoned audio-visual professional with over 10 years of experience, has transitioned into the role of Senior Warehouse Technician. His extensive background includes expertise in audio, visual and lighting equipment installation, leading teams for installations big and small, and onsite troubleshooting. As a proactive problem solver, Andrew excels in optimizing workflows and ensuring efficient inventory management. Andrew's vision is to enhance warehouse efficiency through innovative solutions and continuous improvement all while keeping the workplace fun.
Production Manager

Aaron Megson

Aaron has considerable expertise as a proficient production manager, accumulating over 15 years of experience in the audio-visual field. Throughout his career, he has assumed various roles, starting from a technician, and progressing to the position of technical director within the corporate sector. Additionally, he has served as a project coordinator for expansive audio-visual installation projects. Aaron’s proficiencies encompass event production and operation, adeptly overseeing the management of substantial lighting installations.
Technician

Dan Earl

With a diverse technical background and previous experience managing sound at live music events, camera operating for local TV shoots, and serving as a technician at a technical media college for two years, Dan transitioned to the lighting industry when he joined Mandylights.

Specialising in the implementation of light artworks, Dan is known for his substantial technical expertise and hands-on experience. Alongside his deep passion for his craft, he exhibits an unwavering commitment to detail. Dan consistently dedicates himself to ensuring that all tasks are completed safely and effectively within strict timelines.

Production Manager

Tim Spilman

Tim graduated from The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts in 2005 and has since dedicated himself to the world of event management, starting as a technician in local music venues.

Tim’s journey has led him through various roles, from Network or Dimmer Tech to becoming a Crew Chief for prestigious international arena and stadium tours, major festivals, and special events. With a diverse portfolio spanning live sports, TV/film, fashion, and guest experiences, Tim prioritises teamwork and ensures the well-being of his colleagues by integrating Health, Safety, and Welfare considerations into his plans.

Electrical Technician

Ricardo Catarino

Ricardo is our electrical technician or ‘resident fixer’ – building and repairing the equipment we use in the creation of our visual experiences.
Originally hailing from Portugal, before joining Mandylights he worked for a civil and military aviation company as an aircraft wiring technician for more than two decades.

Lachlan Abigail

Production Manager

Peter Magnisallis

Technician

Finance & Administration

Head of Finance

Victoria Bell

Victoria Bell is a seasoned finance professional currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer at Mandylights in Sydney, Australia. Leading the Finance & Administration Team, the role involves cashflow management, financial record keeping, report preparation, and compliance, while actively contributing to the company's growth by collaborating with other department heads and driving process enhancements in line with industry dynamics. Her background includes diverse international finance roles, such as Group Finance Consultant at Cinesite, where she played a key role in developing the group reporting function for a growing multinational production company. During her time as the VP of Finance - Global at FIRST in New York, Victoria directed finance, accounting, and internal audit efforts, achieving notable milestones such as implementing a project management budgeting tool and securing a government Payroll Protection Plan Grant. With her strong financial expertise and a history of enhancing operational efficiency, Victoria Bell stands out as a leader in the finance sector, consistently contributing to the success of the organizations she's been part of.

Dawn Brown

Company Accountant

Finance & Administration Coordinator

Henry Avila

Henry ensures Mandylights invoices and bills are submitted and processed, along with financial reporting to assist the Finance Team and other departments.
Henry works closely with the Project Managers to provide reports. He also collaborates with the Production and Warehouse Team to make purchases, and he liaises with clients and suppliers to ensure everyone has what they need from Finance.
When not focusing on financial matters, Henry provides general office administrative support to ensure smooth and efficient operations. He also assists in organising office events, including birthday parties, BBQs, lunches, and other fun activities.
Henry holds a degree in anthropology and has over 10 years of experience performing in various venues across Sydney, including the Oxford Arts Factory and the Opera House. He has a keen interest in how people are brought together to experience some of the most impressive light installations and designs in the world.

James Laidler

Office Manager (UK)

Bookkeeper

Simone Longstaff

Simone has recently joined the MLUK team as bookkeeper, while new to our industry Simone has extensive experience working in accounts over the last nine years. Roles have included day to day accounts management, purchase ledger management, credit control, cashflow forecasting, payroll, VAT return preparation & submission and preparation of monthly management accounts.

Executive Team

CEO

Richard Neville

Richard has managed Mandylights since the company's founding in 2006, with his role evolving to Chief Executive Officer in 2023 as the group of companies continue to expand. Fortunate to develop his management style over almost two decades at Mandylights, Richard has lead the company through periods of international growth, multiple financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic. Richard has an extensive knowledge of the entertainment industry and has sat on numerous boards and oversight panels in addition to writing for international publications, judging event awards around the world and lecturing at tertiary institutions. Consulting abroad to international light festivals and more locally to local and state government, Richard is a leader in the lighting industry who applies his passion, enthusiasm and experience from over twenty five years in the industry to everything he does at Mandylights.

Carly Reid

COO

CFO

Victoria Bell

Victoria Bell is a seasoned finance professional currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer at Mandylights in Sydney, Australia. Leading the Finance & Administration Team, the role involves cashflow management, financial record keeping, report preparation, and compliance, while actively contributing to the company's growth by collaborating with other department heads and driving process enhancements in line with industry dynamics. Her background includes diverse international finance roles, such as Group Finance Consultant at Cinesite, where she played a key role in developing the group reporting function for a growing multinational production company. During her time as the VP of Finance - Global at FIRST in New York, Victoria directed finance, accounting, and internal audit efforts, achieving notable milestones such as implementing a project management budgeting tool and securing a government Payroll Protection Plan Grant. With her strong financial expertise and a history of enhancing operational efficiency, Victoria Bell stands out as a leader in the finance sector, consistently contributing to the success of the organizations she's been part of.

Steve Bewley

General Manager (UK)

Head of People & Culture

Leanne McDonnell

As a seasoned HR professional, Leanne's career has spanned the TV, entertainment and Media industries.
Leanne is operationally focused and brings a wealth of knowledge in the employee relations space, as well as change management, organisational design, executive coaching and leadership partnering.
With a business degree in Human Resources, Leanne is a strategic and innovative Human Resources professional who is passionate about developing and implementing HR initiatives that drive growth, success and positive cultures.
Leanne thrives in an environment that is dynamic, engaging and challenging, where good people do great work and have some fun along the way.

Australia

Mandylights Pty. Ltd
5 George Street, Leichhardt 2040, New South Wales

+61 2 9565 2625
australia@mandylights.com

United Kingdom

Mandylights UK LTD.
Unit 2, Shibdon Business Park, Cowen Road, Blaydon NE21 5TW

+44 203 411 0434
uk@mandylights.com

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