Based in Eversham in Worcestershire, Upstage Ltd. is an event production company that provides lighting and sound services for live events. They cater for festivals, concerts, theatre shows, parties, school functions and more.

What do you need to know from an organiser in order to provide a comprehensive quote?

We are always keen to give an accurate price estimate on first contact and the more information a prospective client provides in the first instance, the clearer our pricing can be. You can never give us too much detail. The venue name and address, date, times, the program for the event and the number of people attending are the very basics.

What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Ask questions, get a feel for the company, ask for references too. Just because a supplier has the best named equipment doesn't necessarily mean that they can operate it to a high standard and with safety in mind. Our business is highly technical, it is likely that a client doesn't know all that can be achieved to make the most of their event, so look for a supplier who is keen to work with you during the planning process to best support your event.

Please tell us a little bit about how and why you started the business.

Upstage Ltd. began when Shane Bryan became interested in stage lighting and chose this as a career path in his teens. This had reignited a similar passion in his father, Kevin, who had been involved in backstage work in local theatre groups in his teens and his experience in live music. Starting with a small lighting rig set up, the earnings were ploughed back into the company to invest in more equipment and improve the service. Kevin's passion was focused on live sound and we invested in a PA system to provide a full live production service. Our aim is to provide a professional, high quality service at reasonable prices.

Please tell us about a booking you've had through Add to Event, how did it go? Would you recommend us to others?

Through Add to Event we have been able to widen our work streams. One of the most interesting was the opening of a new private mental health hospital. The brief was quite simple, a PA for a singer/songwriter performing in one room and another PA for the ribbon cut outside. For these events, being on hand at all times to ensure all was going well whilst not being seen is highly important. Even the most temporary install needs to be tidy and unobtrusive so as to not detract from the quality of the new building and the surroundings being offered. A challenging day's work offset by working with such pleasant people doing great work. I have recommended Add to Event to others, both as suppliers and those who are looking to organise events. Indeed, I have used the site myself for AV equipment services in the past and would again.