Anton Woodward OBE CEng MInstMC FRSA

Stage Automation Consultancy

Independent Expert in Stage Machinery and Performance Automation

AVW provides specialist consultancy in stage automation, led by Anton Woodward.

With over three decades of experience, his work spans theatre, opera, touring productions and large-scale live performance, including contributions to major West End productions such as The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, War Horse and Billy Elliot.

In addition to project work, he has contributed to the development of UK and European stage machinery safety standards, including BS EN 17206.

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)

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

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 CEN CWA 15902-1:2008 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
- Member of the ABTT

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

Enquiries

For confidential discussion regarding consultancy or project advisory:

anton@avw.co.uk