History

In 1976 the Association's Council decided that a trade fair for the technical theatre industry would be a good idea, offering a unique opportunity for technicians to see in one place the wide spectrum of goods and services available. It was not until early 1978 that an opportunity for a do-it-yourself event arose at the Donmar rehearsal room, then in use as a theatre on an occasional licence.

Starting modestly at the Donmar Theatre, the Show was an instant success. The Trade Show has been a regular event in the ABTT calendar since, with the exception of 1983. It expanded to fill the entire Riverside Studios building in 1989. A boycott by some manufacturers, thought to be about a concern of there being too many exhibitions, almost caused its demise in 1990, but it was successfully re-launched as a small scale event in 1991 at the Mermaid Theatre.

Encouraged by the response at the Mermaid, the opportunity was taken to move to the Old Royal Horticultural Hall in 1992. This venue proved ideal for the Show. It grew into every corner of the Old Hall and the ABTT took the decision to move to the larger New Hall in 1999, shortly before the Old Hall closed for a major rebuilding programme. The New Hall proved to be a hit with exhibitors and visitors alike. The 2000 Trade Show was a complete sell-out.

The event was re-branded ABTT Theatre Show in 2001, a move which marked a move to embrace the wider requirements of the theatrical community. The new event was staged in both of the Horticultural Halls and was an outstanding success. 2007 heralds the 29th anniversary of the show and the 14th anniversary of the move to the Horticultural Halls.

The ABTT, as the Show has become known colloquially, is probably better known in some circles than its sponsoring organisation!

The ABTT Theatre Show is the only UK exhibition catering exclusively for the general theatre marketplace. From the start, the ABTT Show has been noted as being a visitor friendly event, an ideal place to meet end users and 'network'. It is also notable for being a quiet show. Sound companies show their wares with little or no noise to the great relief of all!

Organisation and Administration

The early Trade Shows were organised by a small group of volunteers, among them David Adams, Joe Aveline and Roger Fox. Ethel Langstreth did the administration and ran the Registration Desk. Richard and Joy York provided the catering and ran the bar.

Roger Fox was one of the few members of the organising group with experience of running exhibitions, and he took the lead in developing the Show. He has continued to direct the Show through all its manifestations! The event is now staged by the ABTT's subsidiary Theatrical Trading Ltd, and the burden of the administration is handled outside the ABTT by a commercial organisation, Pandemonium Productions Ltd.

Exhibitors

The target has been to attract exhibitors from across the wide spectrum of supplies and services necessary to stage a production or equip a theatre building. This includes Lighting, Sound, Machinery, Rigging, Fabrics (Stage and Costume), Paints, Materials (wood, metals, plastics), Fastenings, Tools, Access Equipment, Safety Equipment, IT Services, Publications, Power distribution, Effects, Propmakers, Costume makers, Scenic studios, Scenery builders, Transport, Insurance, Seating, Staging and the like.

The number of exhibitors had increased to around 120 by 2005.

It has always been the Show's policy to try and attract small firms, the backbone of our production process. To this end The Assembly Hall was added for 2004 offering budget priced stands to small companies and educational establishments.

Visitors

The target audience is working technicians and administrators from all aspects of working theatre, as well as their managers, architects, consultants, mechanical engineers and services engineers involved in the planning and building of new facilities.

Venue

The Theatre Show has had 8 homes in 28 years: The Donmar Theatre, The Piccadilly Theatre, The Shaftesbury Theatre, The Roundhouse, Riverside Studios, The Mermaid Theatre, The Old Horticultural Hall and The New Horticultural Hall.

ABTT Theatre Show 2007 will again occupy The Lindley, Lawrence and Assembly Halls at Royal Horticultural Halls.