UK - The ABTT Theatre Show came alive at Alexandra Palace in London with the annual ABTT Awards hosted by the Association of British Theatre Technicians. This event showcases the contributions people in the industry have been making to theatre and live events.
Ted Moore, director at sponsor TAIT said of the Awards: “TAIT are really proud to be here once again to sponsor the ABTT Awards, which I truly believe are the best award presentations anywhere in our industry. We wish all the nominees good luck and give congratulations to whoever the winners may be.”
The highly sought after People Awards included the ABTT Technician of the Year, the ABTT Award for Emerging Excellence and the ABTT Cmyru Nick Bache Technician of the Year Award which all recognise the achievements of individuals both starting out and well-established in their backstage careers.
The Jury, made up of an experienced group of working practitioners and industry peers, made the following awards:
Technician of the Year: Dan Saddington, head of stage at Welsh National Opera who stated: “I’m honoured to receive this award from ABTT. It reflects the hard work our team puts into every season at WNO, and I’m grateful for the recognition on behalf of the whole department.”
Cymru Nick Bache Award for Technician of the Year: Sean Jones, freelance whose credits include Operation Julie, Fairytale of New York and Design in Disneyland Paris. “I’m beyond grateful to have won such a great award in honour of such an amazing man,” said Jones.
Award for Emerging Excellence: Jade Lam who commented, “Being recognised for the work, the countless hours put in to become a better technician, to build a better industry, and to pave the way for others just like me - it’s more than just an honour. It’s a lasting legacy. To the ABTT, my nominators, and my entire support network, I cannot thank you enough! No woman is an island - it really does take a village! I wouldn’t be here without you!"
Award for Environmental Sustainability: Ria Tubman who has been a production manager in theatre for over 20 years specialising in production managing sustainable theatre and working with the Theatre Green Book. “I’m hugely honoured to receive this award. I want to thank the whole team at the Unicorn Theatre who make our sustainability work possible. I will continue to focus my work on sustainability within our industry and to work with my peers to make sustainable practices possible, said Tubman.”
Award for Costume: Loz Tait, head of costume at Chichester Festival Theatre who said “Theatre is such a process built on teamwork and collaboration that to be singled out for doing what I love feels very humbling, wonderful and overwhelming. My achievements would not be possible without all the talented and dedicated supervisors, makers, running wardrobe and WHAM teams I have had the pleasure of working with over the years.”
Award for WHAM Design: Carole Hancock, wigs hair and make-up at HUM studio who said, “It is wonderful to have recognition for WHAM design in the industry. It’s an integral part of the storytelling process. Thank you so much to all those who voted for me and of course to all the WHAM teams who support my design process.”
ABTT Theatre Show manager, Elysia Moore added, “A huge congratulations to all of our winners this year. It is the ABTT’s privilege to be able to recognise all the amazing people making such a difference to our industry.
“We are always striving to put those backstage at the forefront, acknowledging all they do to create successful live events. If you know someone who needs to be recognised, please do make sure to put them forward for acknowledgement next year at the ABTT Awards which will be running on the first day of the ABTT Theatre Show on Wednesday 3 June 2026.”
