Techy Heaven at the ABTT Theatre Show

The Association of British Theatre Technicians' annual showcase in London gave some of the backstage wizards behind the West End's leading productions a chance to show off their gizmos

One of the most spellbinding aspects of the West End of late has been its staggering use of stagecraft and special effects. Huge romantic landscapes and fantasy epics have been vividly captured by creative teams around the capital and rendered perfectly for the stage. Every June is the time the unsung theatrical heroes choose to demonstrate and discuss just how they managed it.

It might not have the glitz and the glamour of galas like the Olivier Awards or the Tonys, but the ABTT exhibition is just as crucial to the running of the West End. With creative teams showing off their prompt desks and diagnostic tools, the show was a real insight into how our favourite productions are brought to life.

The next wave of high tech gadgets will be on display in September at the PLASA (Professional Lighting and Sound Association), so until then, the amazing work showcased by the ABTT highlights the cutting edge of stagecraft technology.

Published by: Nathan Brooker