NEWS & EVENTS

Alistair Kilbee is an influential figure in South Africa’s theatre scene, with over 30 years of experience orchestrating technical supply to stages and bringing productions to life. As Managing Director of Gearhouse Splitbeam, a leading theatre and professional rental company, Alistair has made a name for himself as a visionary and problem-solver in the theatre industry.

From his early days as a lighting designer to his current role as a seasoned Technical Director, Alistair has worked on some of the most iconic shows in the industry. He cut his teeth at Emperors Casino, where he lit productions like the opening show “Eclipse”, as well as “A Tribute to Janis Joplin”, “A Night With Johnny Clegg”, “Walking with Wizards”, and “My Favorite Swing”.

His expertise has taken him on tours across Asia and the Middle East, working on blockbusters like “Fame – The Musical”, “The Merry Widow”, “Chicago”, “Rent”, “We Will Rock You”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “High School Musical”, “Cats”, “Mamma Mia”, “Dream Girls”, “Dirty Dancing”, “Jersey Boys”, “The Sound of Music”, “West Side Story”, “Emotional Creature”, “Singin in the Rain”, “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”, “Evita”, “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Disney’s The Magic Box”, and “Dear Evan Hansen”.

Alistair’s work has graced stages from Johannesburg’s Mandela Theatre to international venues like the Guangzhou Opera House in China, the Esplanade in Singapore, and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. He’s delivered productions in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and beyond, including the iconic Emirates Palace Theatre in Abu-Dhabi and the Tokyu Theatre Orb in Japan. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for innovation, Alistair has helped shape the visual identity of countless productions, earning him a reputation as a trusted partner in the theatre community.

As Splitbeam continues to grow, Alistair reiterates the company’s purpose and vision. “When I started Splitbeam in 2010, my goal was to create a rental company that truly understands the needs of the theatre industry – not just for big franchise musicals, but the grassroots theatre and dance that fuels South Africa’s arts scene. I’m a big believer in nurturing theatre in schools, as it’s the breeding ground for the next generation of creatives, technical crew, and theatre-lovers.” Through Gearhouse Splitbeam, Alistair is committed to delivering the local arts scene with the tools they need to accomplish their creative vision. “We are theatre people and committed to the theatre industry,” he says, empowering productions big and small with the gear and expertise they need to shine. and continues to drive Gearhouse Splitbeam forward, delivering top-notch solutions to South Africa and the world’s theatre community.