Originally planning to teach primary school mathematics, 'Tappy' (as he is affectionately known) was enticed to switch direction to the theatre, after a visit in 1996 to see Phantom of the Opera at Manchester's Opera House, and being bowled over by the technical wizardry.
He cut his teeth at the Middlesbrough Little Theatre, before joining Basildon Towngate Theatre as a general technician. Work quickly followed, including a Belgium ice show, Open Hand Theatre Company, Liverpool Everyman (chief technician) and a stint on Eclipse at Blackpool's Pleasure Beach.
A move to Stoke-on-Trent's Victoria Hall proved fruitful, when he was also offered the chief electrician's job at the city's newly opened Regent Theatre, where he remained for four years before taking the plunge to go freelance.
Tapster now works predominately as a production electrician and lighting programmer in London's West End, nationally and internationally.
Currently working on the tour of We Will Rock You, he was unable to attend the ABTT's Annual Awards evening, held on Wednesday 10 June, at the Royal Horticultural Halls, after the first day of the ABTT Theatre Show.
Collecting the award on his behalf Bryan Raven, managing director of White Light, said, "Here, at White Light, we all enjoy working with Tappy, whether it is as a production electrician, programmer or lighting designer. He has an ability to keep smiling through the most difficult circumstances and never seems to let the situation get on the top of him - at least if he does, he doesn't take it out on us. He is one of the most honest and professional of the people we work with, without taking himself too seriously."
Several people were thanked on Tapster's behalf. In particular, Peter Mumford, Jayson Taylor, Ian Moulds, Martin Lund, Digby Robinson and Adrian Barnes, for their contributions in kick-starting his career, giving constant work and invaluable advice along the way.
John Tapster joins an illustrious list of ABTT Technician of the Year winners, including: Simon Stone (2008), Othman 'Hoffman' McGregor-Read (2007), Antony Bridges (2006, awarded posthumously), Stuart Crane (2005), Fraser Hall (2004), Andy Voller (2003) & Nick Ware (2002).
(Jim Evans)
