Workdays and Weekends: Kate Bonney

We've been in awe of this year's spectacular display of lights at the Enchanted Forest in Faskally Woods Pitlochry. Year on year it never fails to impress! So we tracked down the super talented Lighting designer that has an integral role of putting together this event in Perthshire and found out how she brings the forest to life by chatting about how she fills her workdays and weekends!

1. What does a typical day at work look like for you?

There really is no typical day for me as a freelance lighting designer. I share a studio in Edinburgh with my colleague Simon Hayes who co-designs Enchanted Forest with me, so can often be found in there. Other days I may be out visiting a site or sat in a dark theatre or catching up in a rehearsal room. It certainly isn't boring.

2. What signals the start of your weekend / days off?

Knowing I can close my computer, put my phone to one side and give my full attention to my big, daft 7 month old puppy.

3. What makes for a perfect night in?

I spend so much time away from home that a perfect night in can just be pottering around my home. Cooking and washing up become a comforting thing when you spend a lot of time in hotel rooms. Maybe a bath, beans on toast and some nonsense on the telly too.

4. What makes for a memorable day or night out?

Shared experiences. Working in live performance and events, I see a lot of shows and when something is really good, it stays with you for life. I often compare buying a ticket to something with how much I might spend in the pub, and although I am very content with a night in the pub, there are shows I have seen which seem expensive but I continue to recall time and time again as a memorable night out.

5. Tell us about the weekend you’d love to live again?

Working irregular hours means weekends don’t have the same significance as they might for someone who works Monday to Friday. I can recall oodles of great times but perhaps the best is yet to come…?

6. And now your best ever day at work?

The best days on Enchanted Forest are when I see someone who’s imagination has truly been captured. We see it a lot with children, which of course is magical, but seeing an adult light up with childlike wonder is really rewarding.

7. Any workday or weekend rituals?

When working on outdoor events like Enchanted Forest, it is all about having the right tools for the job. My workday ritual involves layering up warm clothes, waterproof clothes and most importantly, good stout boots.

8. What’s in the perfect day off breakfast?

Travelling around a lot with work means eating out a lot which loses its shine. A perfect day off breakfast is as simple as toast and jam and a cup of tea from my favourite mug at home.

9. Any words of wisdom for us?

Do what makes you happy.

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The Enchanted Forest is totally sold out this year, but don't despair...  

See our Small City Gallery for all this years pictures. MORE >>>

Check Out Rhona's Review on her experience at this year's event. MORE >>>