Wednesday 4th June was a truly inspiring and energising day at the Association of British Theatre Technicians Theatre Show in London at Alexandra Palace. I was invited by my mentor, Andrew Bishop of Bishop Sounds, and when my taxi pulled up at the venue, I was in awe of its size and beauty. The little voice in my head told me, “You can’t go in there, you are not good enough, you are a broke Brummie, and this is a literal palace.” I did some breathing exercises, remembered Andrew’s advice about going after your dreams, and I showed my ticket and entered the large double doors of the entrance.
From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere buzzed with creativity, innovation, and a shared passion for the technical side of theatre that too often goes unseen.
One of the highlights of the day was getting hands-on with the latest in lighting technology. As someone who works in theatre and understands the powerful impact of lighting on performance, it was a real thrill to try out some of the most up-to-date equipment available. I couldn’t stop thinking, “Wow, things were not like that when I was at University.” The advances in control systems, energy efficiency, and design versatility were remarkable — it’s clear that the future of theatrical lighting is not only more creative, but more sustainable too.
Speaking of sustainability, it was heartening to see such a strong focus on eco-conscious practices across the event. From lighting to set materials and beyond, the industry is taking real steps toward a greener future. I also took the opportunity to attend some brilliant sessions on health and safety updates in theatre — an area that’s always evolving and vital to get right. Knowing that there is such a strong push for safer, more inclusive working environments reassured me that our industry is continuing to move in the right direction.
I appreciated the education section, which offered a chance to connect with drama schools such as The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), and The Central School of Speech and Drama. The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and many more. There was also an area to get expert advice on how to enter the industry from ABTT professionals who reviewed my business plan and gave me valuable insights on how to move forward with Alternative Voices Theatre Company.
After a long morning of travel and information-packed activities, the sensory quiet room was a true blessing. I can’t overstate how grateful I was for that inclusive space. Thoughtfully designed and innovative, it offered a much-needed moment of calm and reflection amid the bustle of the show — something that I feel every event should consider providing.
Overall, the Theatre Show was a fantastic experience — informative, welcoming, and forward-thinking. It was brilliant to connect with other professionals, explore cutting-edge tools, and come away feeling re-energised and inspired. The food was as spectacular as the show content with Duck and Hoisin wraps and Duck fat chips being a highlight. Huge thanks to the Association of British Theatre Technicians for putting together such a well-rounded and accessible event, and thank you to Andrew Bishop for encouraging me to grab my dreams. I’m already looking forward to next year!