Beetlejuice The Musical 2026
The Brief
Following its success on Broadway, Beetlejuice The Musical opened at London's Prince Edward Theatre in May 2026 for a limited West End run until to April 2027. Based on Tim Burton's 1988 film, the production uses projection, animation and LED to support fast scene changes and the show's frequent shifts between the ordinary world and the supernatural. Universal Pixels supplied the playback, projection and LED systems, working with Projection Designer Peter Nigrini, Associate Projection Designers Lacey Erb and Zoey Crow, UK Associate and Programmer Mogzi, Animator Alessandro Uragallo and the show's engineering team to realise the production's video design.
The Creative Vision
Video is used to deliver many of its scene changes and visual transitions. Projection, animation and LED work together with the physical scenery to transform the stage from one environment to the next, supporting the pace of the production while preserving the distinctive gothic aesthetic established by David Korins' original design.
The Challenge
The production called for a video system capable of supporting projection across multiple scenic surfaces while integrating with moving scenery and live performance. One of the key technical requirements was a moving LED screen that formed part of the set. This demanded a display that was lightweight enough to travel safely while maintaining the image quality expected of a major West End production. The system also needed to provide dependable playback across eight performances each week.
The Technical Solution
Universal Pixels supplied a playback system comprising four Disguise GX2c media servers, Brompton processing and three Panasonic RQ35 projectors. This was also the first theatrical deployment of Leyard CLO-M4L 3.9 mm LED by Universal Pixels. Its lightweight construction made it suitable for use as a moving scenic element, allowing the screen to travel as part of the set rather than remaining fixed in position. Together, the playback, projection and LED systems enabled animated content to remain accurately aligned as the scenery moved throughout the performance.
Delivery
Universal Pixels worked alongside the production team to integrate the video systems into the wider stage environment. Lead Video Engineer Alex Ramsden, supported by Video Engineers Chris Jackson, Sam Gough and Jakub Krumpolc, oversaw the installation, commissioning and operation of the system throughout rehearsals and the production's West End run.
The Result
Beetlejuice The Musical has been praised for successfully bringing Tim Burton's distinctive world to the stage. Throughout the production, projection and LED are fully integrated with the scenery, supporting fast transitions between locations while allowing the physical set to change shape and character as the story unfolds.
Photo Credits - Johan Persson
