Consultancy

Anton Woodward OBE CEng MInstMC FRSA

Stage Automation Consultancy

Independent Authority in Stage Machinery and Performance Automation

Anton Woodward is one of the UK’s most experienced and respected stage automation engineers, providing independent consultancy on complex motion control systems for theatres, opera houses, cruise ships, live productions and broadcast environments worldwide.

With over 35 years at the forefront of stage machinery design and implementation, and awarded the OBE for Services to Stage Automation, Anton advises clients where engineering precision, functional safety and performance reliability are critical.

His consultancy draws on a rare combination of hands-on system design, safety standards authorship and international project leadership.

Strategic Advisory for High-Value Performance Environments

Anton provides senior-level, independent technical advisory across the full lifecycle of stage automation systems.

Capital Projects & New Theatre Developments

    • Automation strategy and system architecture
    • Client-side technical representation
    • Specification development and tender evaluation
    • Supplier due diligence and risk identification
    • Modernisation and legacy system upgrade strategy

Safety & Compliance Leadership

    • EN61508 Functional Safety (up to SIL3)

    • UK/EU Machinery Directive compliance

    • Contributor to BS EN 17206 (Entertainment Technology — Stage Machinery Safety)

    • Safety case development and review

    • Independent compliance audit and validation

Technical Oversight & Assurance

    • Design peer review

    • Commissioning oversight

    • Performance validation

    • Risk mitigation strategy

    • Board-level technical reporting

Specialist Performer Flying Systems

Advisory on high-risk flying and synchronised motion systems where safety, redundancy and operational realism must align without compromise.

Depth of Experience

Anton is the Managing Director of AVW Controls Ltd and designer of the award-winning:

  • Impressario Motion Control System (ABTT Engineering Product of the Year)

  • Pegasus Power Flying System (ABTT Engineering Product of the Year)

  • QAxis Stage Automation System

His automation systems have been delivered for:

  • Major West End and international productions including Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Billy Elliot, Warhorse and numerous opera and touring works

  • The National Theatre and leading global opera houses including Sydney Opera House and Copenhagen Opera House

  • Film and television productions including major international franchises

  • Arena tours for globally recognised artists

  • Cruise ship fleets including Princess Cruises and Disney

  • International automotive exhibitions and large-scale event environments

This breadth provides not only engineering depth but strategic perspective across diverse operational contexts.

Standards & Industry Leadership

Anton has contributed to UK and European stage machinery safety standards, including participation in the working party that led to BS EN 17206.

He is:

    • Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

    • Chartered Engineer (Engineering Council UK, Reg. 513321)

    • Member of the Institute of Measurement and Control

    • Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts

    • Trustee-Director of the ABTT

He is also the author of Stage Automation and Entertainment Electronics.

Approach

Anton operates as an independent technical authority — commercially impartial, technically rigorous and operationally grounded.

His advisory philosophy is based on:

    • Clear identification of engineering and safety risk

    • Alignment of design intent with operational reality

    • Practical, implementable recommendations

    • Calm, measured leadership in complex technical environments

He works closely with architects, theatre consultants, engineers, contractors, producers, insurers and venue operators.

Enquiries

For confidential discussion regarding consultancy or project advisory:

anton@avw.co.uk

Click here to see Anton’s CV