Derbyshire Lighting Company’s Creations Featured in “Wicked” Film

When Rachel and Martin Ashby established their business, they could not have foreseen their work being showcased in a Hollywood movie. This became a reality when the couple, based in Melbourne, Derbyshire, received an order from Universal Studios for their handcrafted lights to be used in the production of “Wicked” – the “Wizard of Oz” spin-off – which premiered in UK cinemas on November 22. Set designers for the film contacted the company in October 2022, commissioning 50 of their “witches hat” lights and a bespoke chandelier, all of which were incorporated into the Emerald City set. Mrs. Ashby expressed her personal excitement, stating: “We love films so from a personal point of view it was very exciting to see our lights on screen.” Ashby Lighting, the family business founded by Mrs. Ashby in South Derbyshire approximately 10 years ago, now comprises a small team that restores vintage lights and manufactures their own designs. However, supplying lights for Hollywood productions is not an entirely new experience for the firm. Mrs. Ashby added: “We have supplied other film companies such as Warner Brothers, so the set designers might have spoken to each other and possibly recommended us to the Wicked team.” She conveyed her pride that an item from Melbourne was being viewed by millions of people on the big screen. “The order was a significant order for us and something we are very proud of,” she further stated. She remarked on the current economic climate: “Times are difficult and the cost of living is causing a lot of issues for people, so it’s great the amount of films and TV shows being filmed in UK, as it means local businesses are being used to support those productions.” Additionally, she said: “We use other local businesses to help us create our lights and I am very proud of being a part of the Derby business community.” Mrs. Ashby hopes the company’s lights will be utilized again in “Wicked: Part Two,” which is scheduled for release in 2025. “When I was a girl, I loved the original Wizard of Oz film,” Mrs. Ashby shared. “It was so magical and I would have never dreamed we would be involved in the franchise, even though it’s only a small element.” She concluded by saying: “To have set designers, who are experts at what they do, to choose us is a massive achievement and it makes all the hard work and long hours all worthwhile.”