A tribute to Richard Pilbrow from our Founder Consultant, Roger Fox

All of the team at Theatreplan is saddened to learn of the death of pioneering theatre consultant Richard Pilbrow, (pictured above left with Theatreplan's founder Richard Brett).

Theatreplan owes its very existence to Richard Pilbrow. His close associate in the technical consultancy firm that he founded was electrical engineer Richard Brett. Richard Brett later went on to pursue similar interests, working first as Techplan which then morphed in the last twenty years into Theatreplan.

All of us working in technical theatre, whether as technicians, designers or consultants have been touched by his work. We may not appreciate it but who was it that introduced the ellipsoidal profile spot? Gobos? Regularised lighting layout drawings using stencils? Introduced logic working light controls? Created new theatres with innovative facilities? The list is never ending and Richard Pilbrow had a hand in all of them.

Theatreplan follows his lead and continues to innovate. Several of our colleagues started their consultancy lives working with him; among them Charles Wass, Neil Moreton, Ray Carter, and Theatreplan veteran John Whitaker. Theatreplan has introduced new younger consultants to our firm to continue to fly Richard Pilbrow and Richard Brett’s flag.