David Hersey
Latest News on David Hersey:
Review: CATS Returns to Sydney’s Theatre Royal After 40 Years (Jun 22, 2025)
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S OKLAHOMA! with Hugh Jackman to Play Cinemas Around The Globe This Month (Jul 10, 2023)
1998 Production of OKLAHOMA! Starring Hugh Jackman is Coming to Cinemas This Summer (May 10, 2023)
Review: CATS Returns to Sydney’s Theatre Royal After 40 Years (Jun 22, 2025)
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S OKLAHOMA! with Hugh Jackman to Play Cinemas Around The Globe This Month (Jul 10, 2023)
1998 Production of OKLAHOMA! Starring Hugh Jackman is Coming to Cinemas This Summer (May 10, 2023)
BIO
Since his arrival in London from New York many years ago, David Hersey has designed the lighting for hundreds of plays, musicals, operas and ballets. He was lighting consultant to the National Theatre for ten years and is a past chairman and current fellow of the Association of Lighting Designers. In 2002 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Middlesex University. His many awards include Tonys for Best Lighting Design for Evita, Cats and Les Misérables plus the 1996 Olivier Award for Best Lighting Design for Burning Blue, The Glass Menagerie and Twelfth Night. He received Tony nominations for The Life and Times of Nicholas Nickleby, Starlight Express, Miss Saigon and Oklahoma! and Olivier nominations for Oliver!, Glengarry Glen Ross, Martin Guerre, Oklahoma!, South Pacific, My Fair Lady and The Coast of Utopia. The production of My Fair Lady received the 2001 Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production.
A keen yachtsman, David completed a two-year sabbatical during which he sailed his yacht around the world. Since his return, he has designed the lighting for productions including South Pacific, Coast of Utopia, Love’s Labour’s Lost and Anything Goes in the West End. Following on from the opening on Broadway of Oklahoma! was Les Misérables. His latest designs to open in the West End include Porgy and Bess, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks and Equus.
David founded DHA Lighting, industry leaders in the design and manufacture of specialist lighting equipment and effects. He has designed lighting extravaganzas at the Mirage, Treasure Island and Belaggio hotels in Las Vegas, and his work can be seen in theme parks in Florida and Italy.
Productions
Awards and Nominations
winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2009 - Best Lighting Design
David Hersey, Equus
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Lighting Design
David Hersey , Equus
Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Lighting Design of a Play
David Hersey, Equus
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Lighting Design in a Play
David Hersey, Equus
Olivier Awards - 2003 - Best Lighting Design
David HerseyThe Coast Of Utopia - Voyage, Shipwreck, Salvage
Olivier Awards - 2002 - Best Lighting Designer
David Hersey, My Fair Lady
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Lighting Design
David Hersey, Oklahoma!
Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Lighting Design
David Hersey, Oklahoma!
Olivier Awards - 1999 - Best Lighting Designer
David Hersey, Oklahoma!
winner
Olivier Awards - 1996 - Best Lighting Designer
David HerseyBurning Blue
Olivier Awards - 1995 - Best Lighting Designer
David HerseyGlengarry Glen Ross
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1991 - Outstanding Lighting Design
David Hersey, Miss Saigon
Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Lighting Design
David Hersey , Miss Saigon
Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Lighting Design
David Hersey , Chess
winner
Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Lighting Design
David Hersey, Les Misérables
winner
Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Lighting Design
David Hersey, Les Misérables
Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Lighting Design
David Hersey, Starlight Express
winner
Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Lighting Design
David Hersey, Cats
winner
The Hewes Awards - 1982 - Special Citation
David Hersey, The Life And Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby
Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Lighting Design
David Hersey , The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby
Drama Desk Awards - 1980 - Outstanding Lighting Design
David Hersey, Evita
winner
Tony Awards - 1980 - Best Lighting Design
David Hersey, Evita
Videos
Exclusive Video: CATS Tour Cast Members Perform WAITRESS's 'She Used to Be Mine'
by Linnae Medeiros - 2019-08-21 13:39:13
BREAKING VIDEO: Jennifer Hudson Sings 'Memory' From The CATS Film
by Alan Henry - 2019-04-03 15:20:27
VIDEO: Ian McKellen Tells Graham Norton How He's Preparing for the CATS Film
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2018-11-12 12:23:11
News
Review: CATS Returns to Sydney’s Theatre Royal After 40 Years
by Jade Kops - Jun 22, 2025
CATS, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s (Music) musical theatre adaptation of T. S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats” returns its original Australian home, Sydney’s Theatre Royal.
by Jade Kops - Jun 22, 2025
CATS, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s (Music) musical theatre adaptation of T. S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats” returns its original Australian home, Sydney’s Theatre Royal.
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S OKLAHOMA! with Hugh Jackman to Play Cinemas Around The Globe This Month
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 10, 2023
The Olivier Award-winning 1998 production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, starring then-newcomer Hugh Jackman (Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman) as Curly, will screen in more than 840 cinemas around the globe for two days only on Sunday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 19.
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 10, 2023
The Olivier Award-winning 1998 production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, starring then-newcomer Hugh Jackman (Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman) as Curly, will screen in more than 840 cinemas around the globe for two days only on Sunday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 19.
1998 Production of OKLAHOMA! Starring Hugh Jackman is Coming to Cinemas This Summer
by Stephi Wild - May 10, 2023
The National Theatre’s acclaimed, Olivier Award-winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! is headed to cinemas worldwide this summer. Starring then-newcomer Hugh Jackman (Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman) as Curly, this riveting stage revival was filmed following its record-breaking 1998 run in London.
by Stephi Wild - May 10, 2023
The National Theatre’s acclaimed, Olivier Award-winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! is headed to cinemas worldwide this summer. Starring then-newcomer Hugh Jackman (Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman) as Curly, this riveting stage revival was filmed following its record-breaking 1998 run in London.
CATS Comes To Bank Of America Performing Arts Center In May!
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 26, 2023
The American Theatre Guild will present one of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS. This production is part of the BROADWAY IN THOUSAND OAKS SERIES and will take the Bank of America Performing Arts Center stage May 11–14, 2023.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 26, 2023
The American Theatre Guild will present one of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS. This production is part of the BROADWAY IN THOUSAND OAKS SERIES and will take the Bank of America Performing Arts Center stage May 11–14, 2023.
Video: Andrew Lloyd Webber Sends Message Of Support to Ukrainian Students Performing CATS in Bomb Shelter
by Alan Henry - Mar 23, 2023
Students at a school in Kiyv recorded a production of the musical CATS from their bomb shelter amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
by Alan Henry - Mar 23, 2023
Students at a school in Kiyv recorded a production of the musical CATS from their bomb shelter amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS Will Play Mayo Performing Arts Center From, March 10-March 12
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 8, 2023
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to Morristown's Mayo Performing Arts Center from Friday, March 10 – Sunday, March 12.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 8, 2023
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to Morristown's Mayo Performing Arts Center from Friday, March 10 – Sunday, March 12.
CATS Returns To Philadelphia By Popular Demand March 14 " 19 On The Kimmel Cultural Campus
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 26, 2023
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will return to Philadelphia March 14 through March 19, 2023, at the Miller Theater (formerly Merriam Theater), presented by the Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Shubert Organization.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 26, 2023
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will return to Philadelphia March 14 through March 19, 2023, at the Miller Theater (formerly Merriam Theater), presented by the Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Shubert Organization.
CATS On Sale At The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center This Friday
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 13, 2022
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center has announced the on sale date for one of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 13, 2022
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center has announced the on sale date for one of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS.
CATS On Sale At Kalamazoo's Miller Auditorium This Week
by Stephi Wild - Nov 2, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to Kalamazoo's Miller Auditorium for three performances, Feb. 17 – 18, 2023, as part of a new North American tour. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 2, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to Kalamazoo's Miller Auditorium for three performances, Feb. 17 – 18, 2023, as part of a new North American tour. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS Comes To Cleveland, November 1-20
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 30, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to Playhouse Square from November 1-20 as part of a multi-season North American tour.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 30, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to Playhouse Square from November 1-20 as part of a multi-season North American tour.
The Granada Theatre to Present CATS in October
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 10, 2022
The American Theatre Guild is pleased to present one of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS. This production is part of the BROADWAY IN SANTA BARBARA SERIES and will take The Granada Theatre stage October 17–18, 2022.
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 10, 2022
The American Theatre Guild is pleased to present one of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS. This production is part of the BROADWAY IN SANTA BARBARA SERIES and will take The Granada Theatre stage October 17–18, 2022.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS To Play Cleveland's Playhouse Square, November 1 To November 20
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 17, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to Playhouse Square from November 1 – 20, 2022, as part of a new North American tour.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 17, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to Playhouse Square from November 1 – 20, 2022, as part of a new North American tour.
CATS Returns To San Jose's Center For The Performing Arts Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Aug 4, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS, will return to San Jose's Center for the Performing Arts (255 S. Almaden Blvd.) for a limited one-week engagement as part of a new North American tour beginning Tuesday, September 20 and running through Sunday, September 25, 2022.
by Stephi Wild - Aug 4, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS, will return to San Jose's Center for the Performing Arts (255 S. Almaden Blvd.) for a limited one-week engagement as part of a new North American tour beginning Tuesday, September 20 and running through Sunday, September 25, 2022.
Photos: North American Tour of CATS Comes to Portland's Keller Auditorium
by Marissa Tomeo - Jun 4, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to Portland’s Keller Auditorium from Tuesday, June 21 through Sunday, June 26 as part of a new North American tour.
by Marissa Tomeo - Jun 4, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to Portland’s Keller Auditorium from Tuesday, June 21 through Sunday, June 26 as part of a new North American tour.
CATS is Coming to Portland's Keller Auditorium in June
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 20, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to Portland’s Keller Auditorium from Tuesday, June 21 through Sunday, June 26 as part of a new North American tour. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Sunday, April 24.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 20, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to Portland’s Keller Auditorium from Tuesday, June 21 through Sunday, June 26 as part of a new North American tour. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Sunday, April 24.
CATS Comes To Proctors in May
by Stephi Wild - Apr 19, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to Schenectady from Tuesday, May 3 to Sunday, May 8 as part of a new North American tour. Tickets are available through the Box Office at Proctors, in person or via phone at 518-346-6204 Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or online.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 19, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to Schenectady from Tuesday, May 3 to Sunday, May 8 as part of a new North American tour. Tickets are available through the Box Office at Proctors, in person or via phone at 518-346-6204 Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or online.
CATS is Coming to Fort Lauderdale's Broward Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 1, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to Fort Lauderdale from Tuesday, April 5, 2022 to Sunday, April 10, 2022 as part of a new North American tour. Tickets are on sale now.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 1, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to Fort Lauderdale from Tuesday, April 5, 2022 to Sunday, April 10, 2022 as part of a new North American tour. Tickets are on sale now.
State Theatre New Jersey Presents CATS
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 28, 2022
Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater—“Memory.” Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, the record-breaking musical spectacular has captivated audiences in over 30 countries in 15 languages, is back on tour across North America. This tour features new sound design, direction, and choreography.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 28, 2022
Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater—“Memory.” Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, the record-breaking musical spectacular has captivated audiences in over 30 countries in 15 languages, is back on tour across North America. This tour features new sound design, direction, and choreography.
Tickets On Sale Now For CATS at the Kravis Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 19, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts from February 8 - 13 as part of a new North American tour. Tickets are on sale now.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 19, 2022
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts from February 8 - 13 as part of a new North American tour. Tickets are on sale now.
CATS Comes to The Ohio Theatre in January
by Stephi Wild - Dec 13, 2021
CAPA and PNC Broadway in Columbus will present one of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS, coming to the Ohio Theatre January 11-16 as part of its new North American tour.
by Stephi Wild - Dec 13, 2021
CAPA and PNC Broadway in Columbus will present one of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS, coming to the Ohio Theatre January 11-16 as part of its new North American tour.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has David Hersey been nominated for?
Best Lighting Design (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Equus, Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Equus, Best Lighting Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Equus, Outstanding Lighting Design in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Equus , Best Lighting Design (Olivier Awards) for The Coast Of Utopia - Voyage, Shipwreck, Salvage, Best Lighting Designer (Olivier Awards) for My Fair Lady, Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Oklahoma! , Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for Oklahoma!, Best Lighting Designer (Olivier Awards) for Oklahoma!, Best Lighting Designer (Olivier Awards) for Burning Blue, Best Lighting Designer (Olivier Awards) for Glengarry Glen Ross, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Miss Saigon, Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for Miss Saigon, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Chess, Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for Les Misérables, Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for Les Misérables, Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for Starlight Express, Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for Cats, Special Citation (The Hewes Awards) for The Life And Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Evita and Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for Evita.
What awards has David Hersey won?
David Hersey has won several prestigious awards for his lighting design. These include Best Lighting Design at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Equus, Outstanding Lighting Design in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Equus, and Outstanding Lighting Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Oklahoma!. He received Best Lighting Designer at the Olivier Awards for Burning Blue and Outstanding Lighting Design at the Drama Desk Awards for Miss Saigon. Hersey also earned Best Lighting Design at the Tony Awards for Les Misérables, Cats, and Evita. Additionally, he received a Special Citation at The Hewes Awards for The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby.
Videos