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09 September 2025

Bowie Musical - When David Bowie died in 2016, his parting gift was a final album, Blackstar, shaped by his cancer diagnosis and an acceptance of mortality. But in his final months, he had also started another project, described in his notes as an "18th Century musical".

Called The Spectator, its existence was unknown to even his closest collaborators – until the notes were discovered locked in his study in 2016. They have now been donated to the V&A Museum, with the rest of Bowie's archive. They show Bowie's fascination with the development of art and satire in 18th Century London, alongside stories of criminal gangs and the notorious thief ‘Honest’ Jack Sheppard. "Right at the very beginning, I really wanted to write for theatre," Bowie told BBC Radio 4's John Wilson in 2002.

Radiohead Revival - Radiohea

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02 September 2025

Music of the Spheres - Coldplay have announced that the final two London dates of its Music of the Spheres World Tour will be rescheduled due to a planned Tube strike. In a statement on their website, the band said it was "impossible" to get 82,000 fans to and from Wembley Stadium without London Underground services. "Therefore, no event licence can be granted for the nights of 7 and 8 September," they said. The Sunday, 7 September show will move to Saturday, 6 and the Monday, 8 September show will move to Friday, 12. Coldplay said fans can use their existing tickets for the rescheduled dates.

Despite changing the dates, Coldplay will still be playing 10 nights at Wembley Stadium, breaking the joint record set by Take That and Taylor Swift of performing eight shows at the venue in the same year. The Music of the Spheres is already the most-

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28 August 2025

UK - Backup Tech, the charity supporting those working behind the scenes in the entertainment technology industry, has launched a Workplace Wellness initiative developed by newly appointed Backup ambassador, Gemma Fletcher. The programme aims to help those working on the technical and production side of entertainment by providing some self-help tools which can easily be implemented in their everyday work routines to check in on their own wellbeing.

In her role as an ambassador, Fletcher will champion the charity's mission throughout the entertainment industry, spreading awareness of its work and helping create wellbeing-related initiatives that tie in with Backup's remit, as well as recruiting corporate partners and supporting individual fundraising efforts.

In line with this, the initiative recognises that entertainment industry workers oft

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26 August 2025

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

This issue is packed with stories from across the live entertainment tech world. Ian Cullen reports on Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism tour, exploring how crew wellbeing sits at the heart of its ambitious production. Rob Halliday visits Chris Ewington’s Manchester workshop to discover a unique new piece of visual technology, while Phil Ward meets the audio team behind Kraftwerk’s Jazzopen performance. We also take you backstage at the National Theatre for Sondheim’s Here We Are, and at London’s Duke of York’s theatre for Stereophonic, complete with a classic Cadac console on st

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26 August 2025

Fringe Figures - Total ticket sales at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe have stalled compared to last year, marking the first time since COVID that there has not been a year-on-year increase. There were 2,604,404 tickets sold across the festival in 2025 to 53,942 performances of 3,893 shows from 62 different countries, figures slightly down on the 2024 event, when 2,612,913 tickets were sold to 3,746 shows.

Figures are not broken down by genre, so it is not possible to discern how theatre has performed compared to comedy, for example. Commenting on the 2025 figures, Tony Lankester, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “It is clear that, despite many ongoing challenges facing the Fringe community, it remains the single best platform in the world for artists to showcase their work.”

Revamp - Glasgow

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22 August 2025

USA - International logistics provider Freight Minds has expanded its US operations with the opening of a new office in New Jersey. This expansion is part of a long-term global strategy to align its freight services with the evolving needs of live events, touring entertainment, sports, broadcast, TV and film, and commercial productions, while building the infrastructure to support sustained growth and exceptional service delivery.

Building on its established presence in London and Los Angeles, the New Jersey office extends Freight Minds’ reach across the US, including key markets such as Chicago, Miami, Nashville, and other major cities. This growth strengthens the company’s ability to deliver localised expertise, agile operations, and around-the-clock support across all US time zones.

Founded in 2021 by industry veterans, Freight Minds applies d

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21 August 2025

UK - Respected throughout the industry and organised in association with LSi, the PLASA Awards for Innovation celebrate innovative products from across the live entertainment technology industry.

If you have introduced a product within the past 12 months that demonstrates a new style of thinking, improves technical practice or safety, introduces new materials or techniques, or offers a new commercial advantage, then this is your chance to showcase your innovation at the PLASA Show, and be in with a chance of winning one of these prestigious awards.

But be quick – entries close soon! The deadline for entries is midnight on 26th August (BST). 

Each successfully entered product will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts who have the authority to present up to eight awards of equal standing, one of which can be

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19 August 2025

Under Pressure - The Royal Ballet and Opera is under pressure from numerous Ukrainian creatives and UK MPs to remove the Russian soprano Anna Netrebko from its upcoming season. Signatories of a letter to the Guardian describe the singer as a “longtime symbol of cultural propaganda for a regime that is responsible for serious war crimes”. They are urging the RBO to reconsider Netrebko’s starring role in its production of Tosca beginning next month, as Russia’s attacks on Ukraine continue throughout the summer.

Netrebko, a leading Russian soprano who has performed all over the world including multiple stints at the Royal Opera House, was photographed holding the pro-Russian separatist flag beside a pro-Kremlin former Ukrainian politician in 2014 when Russia captured Donetsk. The singer later said she did not understand the meaning of

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14 August 2025

UK - Backup Tech, the charity supporting those working behind the scenes in the entertainment technology industry, has announced the appointment of Lee Dennison as its new chair.

Lee, a Backup trustee for 13 years, and orchestrator of the popular annual Village Fete, has taken over the reins from Piers Shepperd, who has served as chair for the past three years and a trustee for a decade. He has been instrumental in implementing a highly successful structure behind the scenes, building on the foundations of his predecessor.

During his time at the charity, he has seen Backup continue to provide vital medical grants and address the challenges faced by today’s freelancers by increasing its initiatives around Wellbeing Support; including sharing industry initiatives that help improve awareness and foster more open communication about mental health, addi

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12 August 2025

Irish Connections - Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has surprised fans by playing a number of original songs and Irish tunes during a music and arts festival in Wexford town. The hitmaker played alongside Irish bands Amble, BIIRD, Beoga and Aaron Rowe in The Sky and The Ground pub as part of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Brought up in Suffolk, the Galway Girl singer's father hails from Belfast, and in June Sheeran announced that he identifies culturally as Irish. The festival will be held in Belfast in 2026.

Country Music - A new soundtrack has started to rumble across Britain's green and pleasant pastures. A number of dairy farmers have started to play music to their cattle in a bid to improve their welfare and, possibly, the quality of their produce. The trend has gone viral on TikTok, with videos - from across the world - fet

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08 August 2025

UK - As part of LSi's 40th anniversary celebrations, we'll be taking a tour through the archives at our coverage of various shows and productions over the decades. First up, a musical that launched at around the same time as LSi, and is still going strong! When Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera debuted at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End in October 1986, reviewers raved about its spectacular stage effects. These included “a thousand candles arising from a subterranean lake and a ‘gas lit’ recreation of the Paris Opera House of the 1870s”.

Having itself launched just a year earlier – in November 1985 – LSi ventured backstage to meet the creatives responsible for that fascinating flicker effect; something we might not think twice about today, but which was as magic as Paul Daniels back in the ‘80s!

In the

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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