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05 August 2025

Back Home - The world premiere of a musical about Anne Boleyn is being performed at her childhood home. Henry VIII's second wife, who was beheaded in 1536, grew up at Hever Castle in Kent. Anne Boleyn: The Musical is being staged at a specially constructed 1,800-seat outdoor auditorium on the lawn outside the castle until 30 August. A production spokesperson said: "The castle itself forms a key part of the set, heightening the sense of authenticity and theatrical grandeur.”

“The musical tells Anne's personal story, revealing how her ambitions and choices not only placed her at the heart of Tudor court life but ultimately helped alter the course of English history," the show's producers said. It covers her emotional farewell to her family at Hever, her experiences in the courts of Flanders and France and her return to England, where she catches t

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01 August 2025

UK - Keen-eyed readers will no doubt have noticed our special edition 40^th anniversary logo popping up here on LSi Online, and across our social media platforms in recent weeks. While the magazine’s official anniversary isn’t until November, we’re kicking off celebrations early as we prepare to honour the occasion this September at the PLASA Show (7-9 September, Olympia, London).

At the PLASA Show, we’ll be hosting the LSi Theatre, a dedicated seminar theatre. Here, show visitors can enjoy a carefully curated schedule of talks, panel discussions and ‘live’ editorial columns hosted by an array of LSi journalists, including Rob Halliday, Phil Ward, Louise Stickland, James Simpson, Sam Woodward, Roland Hemming, James Eade, Jerry Gilbert and more.

Topics will range from reflection on 40 years of both LSi, and the i

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01 August 2025

USA - Behind the Scenes received a donation from AC Power Distribution (ACPD), a brand of ACT Entertainment, during this year’s CineGear Expo in Los Angeles. The cheque was presented by ACPD vice-president James Davey to Behind the Scenes board member Paul Royalty, representing a portion of the proceeds from sales of ACPD’s LunchBoxPD data and power distribution system. This donation was made possible through ACT Entertainment’s participation in the BTS Pledge of Support Programme.

The LunchBoxPD is the latest evolution of ACPD’s trusted LunchBox line, now integrating both power and data distribution in a single compact unit.

James Davey said: “The new LunchBoxPD was perfect for Behind the Scenes and the Pledge of Support Programme. It’s a product specifically designed to make life on stage just that much easier - something that

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29 July 2025

Local Initiative - More than 1,000 pubs, bars and restaurants across the UK will host music events as part of a new nationwide festival backed by The 1975's Matty Healy, who has warned about the talent pipeline drying up. "Local venues aren't just where bands cut their teeth, they're the foundation of any real culture," the frontman said in a statement. "Without them, you don't get The Smiths, Amy Winehouse, or The 1975. You get silence."

The Seed Sounds Weekender will take place in September in small "seed" venues like those where many big names start out. But like much of the UK's nightlife scene, they are facing "unprecedented economic challenges", organisers said. They gave examples of seed venues including the Grapes pub in Sheffield, where the Arctic Monkeys made their debut; Rayner's Hotel in Harrow, north-west London, where Amy Winehouse pla

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22 July 2025

Capital News - A series of concerts by global stars is likely to benefit London's economy and showcase the city as "the undisputed capital of music", the mayor of London has said. International acts Beyoncé and Billie Eilish have played multiple dates here and home-grown performers Oasis and Coldplay are due to do the same. About 630,000 people are expected to attend Oasis' concerts at Wembley Stadium this summer - bringing a financial boost of nearly £500m.

According to UK Music, an estimated 7.5m people attended concerts and festivals in London last year, accounting for £2.7bn of the country's total £10bn revenue generated from the live music industry. The Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said: "Our world-renowned venues are drawing more than 3.6m people to enjoy unforgettable experiences and boost our hospitality indust

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18 July 2025

UK - Production Futures has announced that nominations are now open for its Breakthrough Talent Awards 2025. The awards recognise the achievements of young people across the production industries and seek to inspire future generations. With the support and sponsorship of key industry partners, the Awards cover 21 different categories, reflecting the diversity of opportunity within the production industries. Previous winners have gone on to enjoy flourishing careers with a wide range of companies or have taken up roles as in-demand freelancers with the skills and confidence to meet any challenge.

A keen sponsor of the Breakthrough Talent Awards is independent lighting, rigging, and control supplier for the UK and Europe, Neg Earth Lights, whose head of marketing Anna Gould comments: “We are delighted to be once again sponsoring the Breakth

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18 July 2025

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) has announced that Mig Walsh, senior lecturer at Guildford School of Acting, stepped down as co-chair of the ABTT on Monday 14 July 2025, following nearly four years of dedicated service in the role.

David Evans, sustainability consultant, freelance production manager and current editor of Sightline, will continue as ABTT chair, ensuring leadership continuity and supporting ABTT CEO Liz Sillett and the wider team as they pursue strategic goals set earlier this year.

Appointed co-chair in November 2021 alongside David, Mig has played a pivotal role in guiding the ABTT through the challenges of the post-pandemic period. Her leadership has been marked by a strong focus on mental health and welfare within the backstage theatre industry – areas in which she has driven meaningful and las

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15 July 2025

Sponsorship - A ban on sponsors with links to fossil fuels could put "incredibly important organisations" in danger, the parliamentary under-secretary for energy has warned. During a government debate about a proposed tobacco-style ban on adverts and sponsors with links to fossil fuels, another minister claimed that environmental activists forcing corporate sponsors to withdraw their support from cultural events was "madness" in a landscape where funding is sparse.

Other MPs, however, demanded that the government show courage by banning the practice, with many labelling it an urgent issue of public health. The debate was brought to parliament by a petition that calls for a tobacco-style ban on fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship, which has gained more than 110,000 signatures to date. Proposing it to the government, Liberal Democrat MP Roz Savage said tha

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14 July 2025

World - The latest issue of LSi is out now, and can be read online for free here.

‘90s music has seen a resurgence in popularity of late. Just look at the current Oasis reunion tour, and high-charting new albums by the likes of Pulp, Suede and more. Another ‘90s heavyweight enjoying the limelight once more is this month’s cover star, Robbie Williams. Currently on this road with the Britpop Tour, Robbie’s energetic, ambitious show features a giant, articulated rocket structure – and a complex lighting and sound set-up. Phil Ward catches up with the crew for his report.

Also inside, Ian Cullen gets the production scoop on The Great Gatsby, and we bring you a r

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14 July 2025

UK - Solstice AV senior account manager, Tanita Russell, will be swapping the comfort of her office chair and computer later this month, by taking on one of the UK's most gruelling 50km ultra marathons as she helps to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society.

Tanita, who joined Solstice AV – an international distributor of professional audiovisual solutions – in 2023, and a member of the AV community since 2012, has signed up for the now annual Boudicca Way 50km Ultra Marathon on 19 July, running through historic Norfolk villages and countryside, between Diss and Norwich.

“Alzheimer's is a profound challenge that touches us all,” explained Tanita ahead of her challenge. “It takes away not just individuals, but the cherished memories they have previously held so dear. Every step I take is not just for me, but for those affected by dementia.

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08 July 2025

Forty Years On - Live Aid was a benefit concert held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia on 13 July 1985. Organised by Boomtown Rats frontman Bob Geldof and Ultravox vocalist Midge Ure, the event drew an estimated 1.5bn television viewers and raised millions for famine relief in Ethiopia.

Years of drought, civil war, and failed attempts at government control of the grain market in the early 1980s led to a catastrophic famine that threatened hundreds of thousands of lives in Ethiopia. After seeing a television news report on the subject in 1984, Geldof wrote the lyrics for Do They Know It’s Christmas? Ure crafted the melody of the song, and Geldof recruited some of the biggest names in the British new wave scene to contribute vocals.

The single, recorded in November 1984 and marketed under the name Ba

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01 July 2025

Palace News - Plans for a new five-day music and arts festival at Blenheim Palace have been unveiled. Announcing the event, organisers said it would feature an "eclectic line-up of global superstars, award-winning artists, and emerging talent". The palace's chief executive, Dominic Hare, said the festival, which will first be held in summer 2026, "marks a new chapter" for the Unesco World Heritage site.

Earlier this week, Nocturne Live Oxfordshire revealed that, after 10 years, it would no longer be staging its outdoor music festival at the stately home. Having begun in 2015, Nocturne Live saw artists including Kylie Minogue, Lionel Richie and Elton John play to crowds of thousands in the palace's courtyard. The event marked its final edition at the palace last weekend with performances from Nile Rodgers and Chic, The Corrs, Richard Ashcroft and Gary Barlow.

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30 June 2025

UK - With less than a month to go, the Fete stalls, Manor House and karting teams are all sold out, and Backup Tech’s Fabulous Village Fete is shaping up to truly live up to its name.

The Parish Council judges (LSi’s Claire Beeson, Stewart Hume from TPi, Chris Barratt from AAA, ABTT’s Elysia Moore and PLASA’s Peter Heath) are sharpening their pencils and refining their taste buds to pick the Best Fete Stall, Best Dressed Fete’r, Best Fete Stall Game, the Cake Off and Veg Off, plus winners will be declared for the Catching Flies (fly fishing) and Pheasant Shooting competitions.

There’s also the chance to enter the DJ Off, which is being held in memory of DJ Adam Fabulous and will be judged by DJ Asad, who will also be taking to the decks to entertain Fete-goers throughout the afternoon. Taking us into the early evening will be Fab Cab’s

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25 June 2025

UK - As part of its bid to engage young people with the production industries, Production Futures returned to stage a brand activation at Bludfest, which took place at Milton Keynes Bowl on 21 June. The festival’s eclectic lineup, curated by singer-songwriter Yungblud, attracted a diverse range of fans, including many young people for whom the Production Futures pop-up stand provided insights into possible careers in the production sector.

The Production Futures stand was located in the fan-zone entrance, and as well as providing information about the organisation’s upcoming On Tour shows, ran a series of popular competitions designed to attract the interest of young people with limited knowledge of the wide range of opportunities in the sector.

The stand was designed by Abigail Skelton and Ant Ioannou, two second-year students

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24 June 2025

UK - Eat to the Beat, the specialist production, artist and crew catering division of Global Infusion Group, has expanded its operations team with four new team members and announced several senior promotions as it responds to a surge in demand and sets its sights on further international growth, with a focus on the USA.

With 2025 set to be a record-breaking year, the company has seen significant growth across touring, sporting and corporate events, prompting a strategic boost to its operational capacity to support new and existing clients around the world.

Kim Joyce and Olivia Morris, both long-standing team members, have been promoted to events director roles. Lacey Hogg and Lizzie Fryer have also stepped up to become senior account managers, as part of a broader focus on recognising and nurturing in-house talent.

Mary Shelley-Smith, Eat to

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24 June 2025

Rocky Horror - A book compiling interviews with original cast members of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and rare behind-the-scenes photographs is to be published this September. The show’s writer, Richard O’Brien, has provided the foreword for the literary homage to the cult classic musical, which this year celebrates half a century since the well-known film was first released. Rare images snapped behind the scenes of the six-week filming process by the late photographer Mick Rock form the bulk of the book, which also includes interviews with original cast members and quotes from fans including musicians Courtney Love and Peaches.

Announcing the book, publisher Coronet said: “The late great Mick Rock has gifted us all with the most joyful visual celebration of Richard O’Brien’s glorious creation. 50 years on, the musical continues to occupy

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20 June 2025

UK - The live events sector continues to demonstrate the dedication and commitment of its professionals, with Backup partners exemplifying this community spirit. This year has seen Backup Tech expand its partnership network with two new companies and has introduced Core Pro Audio and TMB as its newest partners.

Each Backup partner brings its own motivation and story to the partnership, yet all share a common goal: supporting the vital work Backup undertakes to assist industry professionals during their times of greatest need.

The first new partner is Core Pro Audio, a professional audio sales company and used equipment specialist headquartered in the UK, with international trading capabilities.

The partnership was cemented following the successful Core Pro Show 2025 at the Mount Hotel, Tettenhall in January, which attracted over 200

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17 June 2025

Copyright Matters - The controversial data bill, which has garnered opposition from leading industry figures including Elton John, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Ian McKellen, has passed through parliament without an amendment that would have given creatives more control over their work.

The Data (Use and Access) Bill is now ready for royal assent and has passed without an amendment that would have ensured copyright owners were given transparency over the "scraping" of their intellectual property by big tech.

The ultimate defeat of the amendment, spearheaded by crossbench peer and filmmaker Beeban Kidron, represents a disappointment for swathes of creatives, who urged the government to accept the amendment to protect against "the mass theft of creative works that continues to take place".

Speaking in support of passing the bill without the

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12 June 2025

UK - Production Futures has announced that it will bring the curtain down on 2025 with its largest On Tour show to date. The event will take place at Production Park, Wakefield on Thursday 27 November and will promote employability, transferable skills, diversity, free training, and networking, as well as presenting paid work opportunities to newcomers across the live event and broadcast production industry.

Manufacturers, supply and production companies, venues and distributors will have representatives present at the event to provide advice, information and insights, and discuss specific job and training opportunities. As well as manufacturers and suppliers, Production Futures also works closely with a range of organisations, initiatives, education partners and associations, connecting employment and training opportunities to a diverse pool of tal

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12 June 2025

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

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10 June 2025

On Broadway - UK-originated productions and creatives received 13 prizes at this year’s Tony Awards. Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which premiered in London in December 2023, was this year’s biggest winner at a ceremony held in New York’s Radio City Music Hall. It won awards including best sound design and a special award for its illusions and technical effects team, with Miriam Buether taking home the prize for best scenic design of a play for the show.

Sunset Boulevard, directed by Jamie Lloyd, picked up three prizes, including best revival of a musical and a best actress gong for Nicole Scherzinger, while performer Jak Malone took home best featured actor in a musical for Operation Mincemeat.

SOLT and UK Theatre co-chief executive, Claire Walker said: "This year’s Tony Awards have been a brilliant showc

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05 June 2025

Greece - Over two days, hosted by the Megaron – Athens Concert Hall, leaders of European live performance organisations came together in the Greek capital where the 69th Pearle* Conference discussed urgent challenges and opportunities for the sector.

Recent data from the Eurobarometer shows that 88% of Europeans believe artistic freedom matters and while three out of four citizens trust that artists can freely express themselves, cultural organisations increasingly report growing pressure, self-censorship and fragile autonomy.

A panel on freedom of artistic expression in a polarised world, brought together distinguished academics, lawyers and cultural practitioners to unravel the mechanisms behind polarisation, threats of censorship, and ways to safeguard artistic autonomy and freedom of creation.

Participants also explored avenues for stre

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05 June 2025

UK - Global Crowd Management Alliance (GCMA) has published Words Matter: The Language of Crowds, a new guide designed to improve how professionals and the public talk about crowds, especially during and after major incidents.

The guide defines key terms used in crowd safety work, highlights common misunderstandings, and offers clear distinctions between proactive crowd management and reactive crowd control. It addresses the media’s role in shaping public perception and calls for greater accuracy and care in the language used to describe crowd-related events.

“Terms like ‘panic’ and ‘stampede’ are often used within minutes of a tragedy,” said Anne Marie Chebib, chair of The United Kingdom Crowd Management Association, a founding partner of GCMA. “But these words are not only vague, they can mislead investigations, distort publ

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03 June 2025

Future-proofing - Virtual avatars as stand-ins for performers is one technological innovation to feature among proposals at a Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre online event. A panel entitled Future-proofing For The Next Generation, featuring director Suba Das, Theatre Royal Wakefield boss Katie Town and Diverse City joint artistic director Claire Hodgson, discussed suggestions that AI could help the industry make strides forward in terms of accessibility and cost-cutting.

Panellists also vouched for the use of AI to help theatres achieve "the easy stuff" more efficiently, from administrative tasks to ice cream and drinks sales during performances. Town and Hodgson both welcomed the idea of digitised ‘avatar’ performers who they suggested could alleviate problems of cast absences, save money for subsidised theatres and appear "on-demand" f