EDITOR’S WELCOME 3
EDITORIAL Editor Verity Butler +44 (0) 1223 492246 veritybutler@bright.uk.com Senior staff writer Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Senior sub editor Patrick Ward Junior sub editor Tabitha John Editorial director Nicola Foley ADVERTISING Sales director Sam Scott-Smith +44 (0) 1223 499457 +44 (0) 7875 711967 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com DESIGN Katie Kasperson Features writer Oliver Webb Design director Andy Jennings Magazine design manager Lucy Jeffery Senior designer Carl Golsby Junior designer and ad production Holly May PUBLISHING Managing director Andy Brogden FOLLOW US @livemagsocial linkedin.com/company/ livemagsocial MEDIA PARTNERS
A ccording to the Oxford Dictionary, the official definition of the word ‘spectacle’ is an impressive public performance, a striking visual sight or an unusual situation that draws notice. Whichever way you’d like to define it, if one thing’s certain, it’s that delivering a spectacle is something the pro AV sector is very good at. This issue of LIVE aims to highlight just that, exploring the people, trends, tools and case studies that demonstrate some quietly spectacular innovation taking place behind the scenes. On page 48, we cover media servers and their invisible yet mighty impact, while our page 18 feature spotlights projection mapping’s industry-shaking impact. Plus, this issue’s round table sees our panel of experts talk tackling demanding projects despite facing highly constrained time, space and budgets. And finally, we simply had to cover what could be considered the biggest spectacle of 2026: the FIFA World Cup. Whether or not you agreed with the infamous hydration breaks and highly debated half-time show, the tournament undoubtedly illustrated the sheer extent of AV’s impact on global sports entertainment. Elsewhere, this issue’s touring coverage gives you the inside scoop on Zayn’s first solo stadium tour, before shedding light on Puerto Rican sensation Bad Bunny, and the illumination of his recent run of shows. As pictured above, our theatre pieces explore Beetlejuice ’s recent move to haunt the West End, as well as sitting down with sound design icon Gareth Owen, the man behind some of theatre’s best-loved shows. Last, but by no means least, our cover story heads to London’s immersive Lightroom space to learn all about its David Bowie: You’re Not Alone display. This 360° experience sees the return of Ziggy Stardust – among many of his other legendary personas – following the ten-year anniversary of his passing. This resurrection comes in the form of a magnetic mosaic of images, projection and spatial sound to tell the story of his extraordinary life. Forget the Oxford Dictionary, if anyone needs to define the word ‘spectacle’, just ask them to look up David Bowie.
Say ‘Beetlejuice’ three times, then head to page 22
and enter the Neitherworld
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Verity Butler Editor veritybutler@bright.uk.com
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