Theatre Sound Designer

I’m Rob Summers, a London & Newbury based Theatre Sound Engineer who's worked extensively on West End shows, national tours, and productions abroad. My main goal is delivering sound that just works. Every moment from start to finish fits your production’s style and feel.

Maybe you want immersive audio, carefully timed sound effects, or a balanced mix of voices and music. I’ll work closely with your team, adapting to whatever your production needs. Whether it’s a big musical or an intimate play, I handle tricky audio setups with ease, making it all sound seamless and professional.

Here’s how I can help:

My CV includes lots of West End hits and international productions. Still, I treat each new job as something special, no matter the scale.

You’ll find me easy to talk to, collaborative, and reliable about deadlines.

When issues come up (as they always do), I deal with them quickly and without drama, leaving you free to focus on delivering a great show.

Curious about what I can do for your production’s sound? Let’s chat.

Head of Sound | The Watermill Theatre

Sound Designer: Tom Marshall

Director: Paul Hart

Producer: The Watermill Theatre

"Rob's dedication and professionalism is of the highest standard and we had the most enjoyable time making this show work in this challenging space. Here’s to the next!"

Tom Marshall - Sound Designer - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Head of Sound | Riverside Studios

Sound Designer: Ella Wahlström

Director: Nate Bertone

Producer: DEM

"Rob’s a team player with great people skills and knows how to represent the department and look after the cast and stage management."

Ella Wahlström - Sound Designer - Alice In Wonderland

Head of Sound | The Watermill Theatre

Sound Designer: Andrea J Cox

Director: Elgiva Field

Producer: The Watermill Theatre

"What a pleasure it was to work with Rob on The Little Mermaid. His extensive knowledge and wealth of experience were integral to creating such a high standard of sound for our challenging actor/musician Christmas show at The Watermill. Rob’s technical and creative input played a crucial role, and his support and cheerful disposition, even in those testing tech moments, made the whole process stress-free. To have someone of such professional calibre on the desk instilled me with confidence from day one. If I could only take Rob with me on future shows!"

Andrea J Cox - Sound Designer - The Little Mermaid

Head of Sound | The Watermill Theatre

Sound Designer: Tom Marshall

Director: Paul Hart

Producer: The Watermill Theatre

"I’ve known Rob for decades and it has been a pleasure to work with him once again. I am extremely grateful to have someone of his caliber on the desk for this show and his vast wealth of experience and knowledge in theatre sound meant that we could achieve a very high standard without compromise immediately!"

Tom Marshall - Sound Designer - Jesus Christ Superstar

Head of Sound | The Watermill Theatre

Sound Designer: Andy Graham

Director: Kim Sykes

Producer: The Watermill Theatre

"It was fantastic to have Rob leading our sound team on Piaf at The Watermill. His understanding of the space and infrastructure and the show’s requirements, and his ability to integrate that into the theatre’s brand new PA was exemplary. His long standing industry knowledge means there aren’t many issues he hasn’t encountered before, and is able to offer a variety of constructive solutions to in a calm and collaborative way. He’s always seeking to do what is best for the show. It was a pleasure to work with him, and I’d happily do so again."

Andy Graham - Sound Designer - Piaf

Head of Sound | The Old Vic, London

Sound Designer: Chris Shutt

Director: Matthew Warchus

Producer: The Old Vic

"Rob was amazing on Oedipus. Not only brilliant at his job, which you’d expect from someone of his experience working at such a high level for so long, but also great fun to be around and, when the going got a bit tough, an immense support and confidence booster. I’d work with him again if only he’d let me.."

Christopher Shutt - Sound Designer - Oedipus

Head of Sound | The Watermill Theatre

Sound Designer: Ella Wahlström

Director: Elle While & Indiana Lown-Collins

Producer: The Watermill Theatre

"Rob is a brilliant sound operator with great instincts and a wealth of experience. He’s a team player with great people skills and knows how to represent the department and look after the cast and stage management."

Ella Wahlström - Sound Designer - Pinocchio

Head of Sound | The Watermill Theatre

Sound Designer: Tom Marshall & Nick Lodge

Director: Jonathan O'Boyle

Producer: The Watermill Theatre

"Barnum was a challenging actor musician show in a challenging space, which Rob was an integral part in making possible. Rob fully integrated himself with all the other departments and the actor musicians to ensure all the sonic aspects of the show were handled with ease. Rob was able to use his experience to navigate any issues, meaning together we were able to focus our time creating the show."

Nick Lodge - Associate Sound Designer - Barnum

Head of Sound | The Old Vic, London.

Sound Designer: Ben Grant

Director: Richard Jones

Producer: The Old Vic

Head of Sound | Rambert, London.

Sound Designer: Rob Summers for Gareth Owen Sound

Director: Marc Bruni

Producer: K-Squared Entertainment

Head of Sound | The Old Vic, London.

Sound Designer: Tony Gayle

Director: Richard Jones

Producer: The Old Vic

"Rob fitted in well with the rest of the team and his interactions with technical staff, stage management and performers were very professional. Rob's experience and calm demeanour as reassuring for all.

I would be happy to offer a similar sound op position to Rob on another production shoud the opportunity arise."

Dom Fraser - Production Manager - Pygmalion

Head of Sound | National Tour

Sound Designer: Mike Walker

Director: James Brining

Producer: Playful Productions

"Rob's outstanding teamwork skills were truly commendable. He effortlessly blended with his colleagues, fostering a harmonious work environment where everyone felt valued and motivated."

Neil White - Company Manager - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Head of Sound | Trafalgar Theatre, London.

Sound Designer: Steve Kennedy / Tony Gayle

Director: Des Mcanuff

Producer: The Dodgers

"His mixing ability is of the highest standard and his knowledge of theatre practices is with out doubt and is able to follow through to ensure that the job gets done."

Tony Gayle - Associate Sound Designer - Jersey Boys

Head of Sound | The Savoy Theatre, London.

Sound Designer: John Shivers

Director: Jerry Mitchell

Producer: ATG Productions

Rob’s an incredibly skilled and detailed sound no.1 and was always a resilient company member. He would be an asset to any Sound Department and ATG productions hope to work with him again on future productions.

Johhny Wood - General Manager, ATG - Pretty Woman

Head of Sound | The Turbine Theatre, London.

Sound Designer: Chris Whybrow

Director: Tania Azevedo

Producer: Paul Taylor-Mills

Rob is true gem of the industry. He understands the complexities around working on shows (large scale and small) and has always gone above and beyond the cal of duty for us. I couldn’t recommend him more.

Paul Taylor-Mills - Producer - But I'm a Cheerleader

Head of Sound | Wimbledon Theatre, London.

Sound Designer: Richard Brooker

Director: Ian Talbot

Producer: CrossRoads Productions

Rob is a very competent and knowledgeable technician. His work on the show was consistent and of a very high standard and never were his duties on the sound desk ever question or criticised.

Roger Richardson - Company Manager - Dick Whittington

Head of Sound | Park Theatre, London.

Sound Designer: Paul Gavin

Director: Bronagh Lagan

Producer: Aria Entertainment

Rob's professionalism and charisma make him a pleasure to work with on any project! If you're looking for a number one sound operator or sound designer on your show, I would wholeheartedly recommend Rob Summers!

Michael Bradley - Musical Supervisor - Pippin

Head of Sound | Charing Cross Theatre, London.

Sound Designer: Keegan Curran

Director: Steven Dexter

Producer: Adam Branshay Productions

Rob’s ability to solve any problem thrown at him with patience, grace and the highest level of professionalism made him an invaluable member of our production team. Rob fitted in seamlessly with our already running production, joining to fix ongoing issues which he did with speed and ease. He is a joy work with and an asset to any team.

Ava Millard - Producer - Pippin

Head of Sound | Southwark Playhouse, London.

Sound Designer: Andrew Johnson

Director: Guy Retallack

Producer: Bray Productions

We were extremely fortunate to have Rob Summers as the key component to bring the sound dynamically to life, you couldn’t ask for a better work partner.

Guy Retallack - Director - John & Jen

Head of Sound | Lyric Theatre, London.

Sound Designer: Chris Whybrow

Director: Gary Lloyd

Producer: Flying Music

Rob is one of my top choices of operators. He has a wealth of technical knowledge, and a great set of ears. I can always rely on him to mix a perfect show, maintain that mix, and lead the department well.

Chris Whybrow - Sound Designer - Thiller Live

Head of Sound | Ambassadors Theatre, London.

Sound Designer: Tony Gayle

Director: Simon Phillips

Producer: Songs 4 Nobodies Ltd

Head of Sound | Wimbledon Theatre, London.

Sound Designer: Chris Whybrow

Director: Kerry Michael MBE

Producer: Qdos Entertainment

Head of Sound | Peacock Theatre, London

Sound Designer: Chris Whybrow

Director: Pamela Tan-Nicholson

Producer: Covent Garden Soloist (CGS)

Head of Sound | UK Tour

Sound Designer: Chris Whybrow

Director: James Tobias

Producer: Our House Ltd

The Little Mermaid, (The Watermill Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar (The Watermill Theatre), Piaf (The Watermill Theatre), Oedipus (The Old Vic), Pinocchio (The Watermill Theatre), Barnum (The Watermill Theatre), Machinal (The Old Vic), Part of the Plan (Rambert), Pygmalion (The Old Vic).

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (National Tour), Jersey Boys (The Trafalgar Theatre), Pretty Woman (The Savoy Theatre), But I'm a Cheerleader (Turbine Theatre), Dick Whittington (Wimbledon), Little Women (Park Theatre), Pippin (Charing Cross Theatre), John & Jen (Southwark Playhouse). 

Thriller Live (Lyric Theatre / International Tour), Songs 4 Nobodies (Ambassadors Theatre), Aladdin (Wimbledon), TriOperas (Peacock Theatre).

Our House (UK Tour), Anything Goes (Lost Theatre), The Wild Party (The Other Palace), Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (The Civic Theatre, Auckland NZ), Jack and the Beanstalk (Wimbledon), Sleeping Beauty (Woking), American Idiot (The Arts Theatre/UK Tour).

Singin’ in the Rain (Killworth House), CBeebies Christmas Show, Peter Pan (BBC, 2014), Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Palace Theatre).

War Horse (New London Theatre), Mamma Mia (International Tour), Les Misérables (Queens Theatre, London), Beautiful and Damned (Lyric Theatre, London), My Fair Lady (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), The King and I (The London Palladium), Fiddler on the Roof (The London Palladium).

Spirit of the Dance (World Tour), Annie (UK Tour), Joseph (UK Tour), Jesus Christ Superstar (UK Tour), Grease (UK Tour), Summer Holiday (Blackpool & UK Tour), Sunset Boulevard (Comedy Theatre), Tommy Steele, What a Show (UK Tour), Pickwick (UK Tour), Scrooge (UK Tour), Carmen Jones (UK Tour), Jekyll (Bromley), Re-Arranged (Trafalgar Studios, London), Buddy (UK Tour), Barnum (UK Tour), Joseph (The London Palladium), Miss Saigon (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), CATS (New London Theatre).

Part of the Plan (Rambert, London), Eddie Izzard's DICKENS Great Expectations (Turbine Theatre), Light's Up (Turbine Theatre), Sunday Soul (Chiswick Playhouse), Let There Be Love (Millfield Theatre), The Stripper (Hornchurch Theatre), The Sound of Music (QNCC Theatre, Doha), The Sound of Music (Jordan), Tommy Steele, In Concert (UK Tour), Michael Barrymore’s Laid Back Tour (UK Tour), Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, (UK Tour) and Spirit of the Dance (World Tour).

3 Hens in a Boat (Watermill Theatre), From There (Chiswick Playhouse), Woyzeck (The Old Vic), Stephen Ward ( London), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (The Savoy Theatre), Rock of Ages (Shaftsbury Theatre), War Horse (UK Tour), Singin’ in the Rain (Palace Theatre, London), Wicked (Apollo Victoria), Million Dollar Quartet (Noel Coward Theatre), All New People (London), Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace), Shrek (UK Tour), CATS (UK Tour), The Hired Man (St James Theatre), Kiss Me Kate (The Old Vic), Sleeping Beauty (UK Tour), South Pacific (UK Tour), Play Without Words (UK Tour), Nutcracker (UK Tour), Evita (UK Tour), The Lion King (UK Tour), The Pajama Game (Shaftsbury Theatre), Witches of Eastwick (UK Tour), Spring Awakening (London), Spamalot (Palace Theatre,  London), Fiddler on the Roof (UK Tour), Buddy (UK Tour), Summer Holiday (UK Tour), Scrooge (UK Tour) and Re-Arranged (Trafalgar Studios, London).

A sound designer in theatre is the person responsible for making sure that everything the audience hears is just right. They work with the creative team, performers and crew to create the perfect soundscape for each show. Whether it's playing music, sound effects or balancing voices and instruments, the sound designer makes sure that the audio quality is top-notch.

To start the sound design process, the team brainstorms ideas for the show's audio, from sound effects for a play to the musical style and feel for a musical. Then, the sound designer works on building and creating the necessary sound effects and sonic enhancements for the production, collaborating closely with the performers and other creatives during workshops and rehearsals.

Choosing the right audio equipment is key, and the sound designer carefully selects the best loudspeakers and microphones to achieve the desired audio quality. They then mix all the different audio signals together using control equipment to create the final sound design. The sound system can range from just a few sources to hundreds of inputs and outputs depending on the performance space and sound concept.

Overall, the sound designer plays a crucial role in creating an immersive and captivating auditory experience for the audience.

WELCOME

Welcome to Rob Summers Sound Design. Providing details of previous work and forthcoming productions. Rob has worked with top sound designers like Tony Gayle, Gareth Owen, Andrew Bruce, Bobby Aitken, Rick Clarke and Chris Whybrow.

LONDON WEST END SOUND DESIGNER

Rob Summers is a London Sound Designer and Sound Engineer with extensive experience in London's West End and large scale touring musical productions. Further information can be found on his contact page.