Meet
Andrew Lake
30+ years of live events, including seven years as a Stage Manager with Cunard — among the ships, the legendary QE2 — delivering world-class artists like Petula Clark and Cleo Laine to audiences at sea, every night, no safety net.
The story
Built on the stage.
Proven on the ocean.
It started with a trumpet. Andrew rose through school to become 1st Solo Trumpet for the West Sussex County Concert Band and the West Sussex Orchestra, learning from the inside what it feels like to stand on stage and trust that the person behind the desk actually understands what you need.
That performing life never stopped. Trumpet in a 16-piece soul and funk group, a Blues Brothers tribute band, keyboards in rock bands, and today compèring fundraising Race Nights and live events, always thinking like the artist, not just the engineer.
Then seven years as a Stage Manager with Cunard — across several ships including the legendary QE2 — a full management role running the main theatre for world-class visiting artists (Petula Clark, Cleo Laine, Edison Lighthouse, Johnny Dankworth and many more), plus the cinema, nightclub and every entertainment venue on board. A different show, a different audience, every single night. No second takes. That's where Andrew built the instincts that drive everything he does today.
Before the cruise ships, Andrew was learning the craft backstage at Horsham Arts Centre and running sound for bands across Horsham and Crawley. Before any formal training, before any business plan, there were hundreds of live shows where getting it right was the only option.
"Those years at sea taught me something you can't pick up from a manual. When 1,500 guests are in the room and the curtain is going up, precision under pressure becomes second nature. It has to."
And it was all analogue back then, no digital recall, no software undo, no safety net. Every mix, every cue, every transition had to be right first time. That discipline is still in the muscle memory today.
Back on dry land, Andrew spent years freelancing for some of the largest AV companies across West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, London and beyond building expertise across every scale and format of event. He worked on the BBC's Centenary Schools Tour Tell Your Story, served as Tour Manager and Sound Engineer for Jon Courtenay, Britain's Got Talent winner 2020, on his UK tour, and worked several UK theatre tours as Company Stage Manager (CSM).
All of that experience — performer, stage manager, freelance engineer, tour manager, goes into every event Andrew sets up, operates, and manages for Soundcheck Audio Visual.
What it means for you
A career that pays off
on your event
Thirty years across performance, stage management, touring and engineering isn't just a CV — every part of it shows up in how your event runs. Here's how.
So I understand exactly what a presenter or artist needs to feel confident — the right monitor level, a clear cue, the reassurance that someone's got them. I've stood where they're standing.
A different show every night, all analogue, no second takes. So when your room is full and the curtain's going up, I don't panic — precision under pressure is second nature.
Across every scale and format of event. So I know what yours actually needs — the right kit for the job, not whatever generates the biggest hire fee.
26 venues, running cues from Qlab, managing crew and load-ins. So I can manage your whole production — logistics, technical and people — not just the sound.
Hosting Race Nights and live events today. So I can read a room and hold a crowd, not just run a desk — a steady hand out front when your event needs one.
The person you brief is the person at the desk on the day. No handovers, no junior engineer you've never met, no surprises. Complete accountability, every time.
The Soundcheck mission
Why clients keep
coming back
Unlike large AV companies that over-engineer and over-charge, Andrew asks the right questions first, then builds the perfect solution for your event, your venue, and your budget. No unnecessary kit. No inflated quotes. Just exceptional results.
Right-sized solutions
No overselling, no unnecessary kit. Every setup is designed specifically for your venue, your audience, and your budget, nothing more, nothing less.
Personal service, always
Andrew is on-site at every single event. You're not handed off to a junior engineer on the day. The person you brief is the person behind the desk.
Transparent pricing
Fixed day rates, simple travel add-ons, no hidden costs. You know exactly what you're paying before anything is agreed — and it never changes.
Responsive & reliable
Reply within the hour. Last-minute bookings welcome. If something changes the week of your event, Andrew will find a solution. Always.
Award-winning standard
5 industry awards including AV Expert of the Year. Trusted by the NHS, BBBC, Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce, and hundreds of event organisers across the UK.
Awards & credentials
Recognised for
excellence
Industry recognition matters, but what matters more is that these awards reflect what clients say. Consistent delivery, genuine expertise, and a personal approach that larger companies simply can't match.
Work with Andrew
Ready to make your
event unforgettable?
Whether it's a 30-person boardroom or a 500-seat conference, you'll get the same level of care, expertise, and on-site presence that has earned Soundcheck Audio Visual its reputation.