Lakeside Theatre technician wins national Fringe Theatre Award

An Essex theatre technician has been recognised on the national stage after winning a prestigious Fringe Theatre Award for his lighting design work on the acclaimed production Two Come Home.

Samuel Button-Bell, Essex alumnus and Assistant Theatre Technical Manager at the University’s Lakeside Theatre, received the Lighting Award at the Fringe Theatre Awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation across the UK’s independent and fringe theatre sector. The awards recognise outstanding productions and creative talent working in venues and festivals across the country.

Samuel was honoured for his work as lighting technician and designer on Two Come Home, a darkly comic and emotionally charged production which premiered at the Lakeside Theatre before going on to successful UK tours. The production brought together a creative team largely made up of University of Essex staff and alumni, highlighting the strong creative community surrounding the University and the Lakeside Theatre.

Alongside his technical work, Samuel plays an important role in supporting the next generation of theatre-makers at Essex. Through his work at the Lakeside Theatre, he helps train and mentor Drama students and members of the Theatre Arts Society, providing hands-on experience in live production, lighting and backstage craft.

He has also helped strengthen opportunities for Essex graduates in the creative industries by supporting alumni theatre companies returning to perform at Lakeside Theatre, including the recent production of Funeral Teeth by Succulent Theatre.

Samuel said, “Fringe theatre is the lifeblood of the theatre industry, it’s the place where you can truly see yourself represented on-stage and is never afraid to shy away from potentially controversial topics, the fact I’m able to be a small part of that process is never something I take for granted.”

Samuel may already be a familiar name to many at Essex after making national headlines in 2022 when he proposed to his now wife live on the Lakeside Theatre stage. Watch the video here:

The success of Two Come Home and Samuel’s award win reflect the important role the Lakeside Theatre continues to play as a creative hub for emerging talent, professional productions and public performance in the region.

Access to theatre, performance and creativity remains a vital part of student life at Essex, with award-winning professionals like Samuel helping students gain practical experience and develop the skills needed for careers across the creative industries.