Unlike any theatre show since, in 1981 Autograph found themselves purchasing - from new - the entire sound and communications system. The main components included a Midas TR series theatre console, seven Micron radio mics, which were moved from performer to performer throughout the show, an RTS communications system, Amcron amps, four Martin bass bins and ten Meyer Sound UPA-1s, the first in Europe. During the course of the show, the sound system went through several overhauls: in 1990 the Micron VHF unlicensed radio mics were replaced with 18 UHF licensed Sennheiser receivers and transmitters, and in 1994 the Midas console was replaced with a Cadac A-type. All these items remained on the show, along with many of the other original components, until it closed earlier this month. And it isn't just the London production of Cats that has had the Autograph touch: many of the UK and European productions over the past 21 years have been designed and/or supplied by Autograph.
Several Autograph milestones are linked to the opening of Cats - the birth of Autograph Sales for one. Andrew Bruce, now chairman of the Autograph group, was so impressed with the Meyer Sound UPA-1 that in 1982 he set up Autograph Sales, who took on the European distribution of Meyer Sound. An unknown loudspeaker product this side of the pond, it soon became one of the most respected ranges of professional loudspeaker products the world.
(Ruth Rossington)
