We are back with a relaunched website. Sorry for the server problems over the past months. We are working hard to reformat the existing data for the new website so please bear with us if you encounter blank pages or missing information. Use the Contact Us menu option to request something urgently.
A collection of pages packed with information about technical theatre, including an Archive section which is the home of the Backstage Heritage Collection.
The website is published and edited by Jon Primrose, based at the University of Exeter in the UK.
We are proud to be sponsored by A Sense of Theatre – click below to find out more about this amazing book, detailing the incredible story behind London’s National Theatre.
Backstage Heritage Collection
Explore the archives - Discover the history of technology in entertainment
Topics
In-depth information about entertainment technology and theatrical techniques
Glossary of Technical Theatre Terms
Search for words and browse by category
Shows
Explore technical and historical information about hundreds of shows, old and new
Venues
History and development of hundreds of venues around the world
Latest Updates:
Lighting Plan Reprints for sale
Posted: 30 Oct 2025Ideal Christmas presents for the lighting technician in your life. Plans are huge poster prints and excellent quality. Sold with permission from the designers in aid of BackUp Tech charity.
TheatreCraft 2025
Posted: 27 Oct 2025Register now for this free careers and networking event by our friends at TheatreCraft (no relation!), taking place on Monday 3rd November in London.
See us at PLASA 2025!
Posted: 31 Jul 2025Classic Gear Live will be back at PLASA 7-9 September 2025 at Olympia in London, with some new (old) equipment, special guests, and lots to learn about. We'll also be recording short interviews with as many people as possible, so if you have some stories to share, we'll see you there!
Podcast Launched
Posted: 05 Apr 2025The first episode of the Theatrecrafts Podcast is now live on Spotify. Join us as we interview Simon Wood, Sound Technician at the London Palladium between 1969 and 1976.