Year on year the Show has expanded from both exhibitor and visitor perspectives. With over 100 participating companies, the organisers are pleased to reveal that, despite the current uncertain economic climate, the visitor numbers were maintained and were slightly up on 2007.
Recognised for embracing a developing range of technologies for use in any auditorium, the ABTT Theatre Show has built a position as a platform for manufacturers, designers and suppliers to showcase the latest advancements in technical theatre.
The Annual ABTT Awards staged at Church House in Westminster celebrated the products voted as this year's innovations. The 'Hook Clamp' trophies were awarded to: Best Sound Product: d&b audiotechnic for its new E-series loudspeakers with their rotatable high frequency horn; Best Lighting Product: GDS for its revolutionary Socapex cable tester; Best Widget: J&C Joel for its Serge Tape, designed for the emergency repair of black theatre drapes; Best Engineering & Rigging product: Steeldeck for its innovative Apack retractable seating system; Stand of the Year: Lighting Effects Distribution; Technician of the Year: Simon Stone of Unusual Rigging, who is recognised as a leading figure in the rigging of complex theatre productions.
Additionally, Honorary Membership of the ABTT was awarded to Steve Tyrrell in recognition of his services to the Theatre Show over 25 years.
The focus of The ABTT Theatre Show as it moves into its fourth decade is to promote dialogue between end-users and manufacturers, while maintaining a leading position as being innovative, informative and educational, say the organizers.
Theatre Show director, Roger Fox, who has led the event from the very beginning, commented: "There are not many exhibitions around that can boast the history of the ABTT Theatre Show which from a promising start has grown year on year to be considered now as a leading showcase for technical theatre. The Theatre Show is special in that it has managed to retain its informal atmosphere while developing as a commercial event."
The ABTT Theatre Show has confirmed that the dates for next year's show are 10-11 June 2009 when it will again be staged at London's Royal Horticultural Halls.
(Jim Evans)
