Michael Bogdanov's attack on the RSC for failing to develop community and education work during their annual 6-week residency in Newcastle has been described as "gross calumny", "irresponsible" and "destructive" by the company's artistic director Adrian Noble. Whilst he agreed that outreach work of this sort is important, it would be wrong if these activities were to eventually affect the work of the region's indigenous theatre companies... who must have prime responsibility for this work.
ESC establishes NE Youth Theatres
The English Shakespeare Company has set up ten new youth theatres in the North East around their new home at the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle, and intends to have 200 within twelve months. The YTs' work is based on Shakespeare and the latest, for secondary age young people in South Tyneside, was set up at King George School in South Shields just before the half-term holiday. Some of the YTs are aimed at youngsters of primary age.
Edinburgh theatres hit by cash difficulties
The Kings and Festival Theatres in Edinburgh may have to close for part of the year as the City Council faces the possibility of having to make major cuts to arts funding. It was only last year that the two theatres were merged under one Trust, Festival City Theatres, in an attempt to save money.
Northumberland cuts theatre cash
Northumberland Councy Council has decided that it can no longer offer direct financial support to theatre and has withdrawn its £10,000 a year grant to the Northumberland Theatre Company.
"You'll have to wait," ACE tells applicants
ACE has told all applicants for capital grants from the National Lottery have been told that no decisions will be made for a month, The Stage reports. In the meantime ACE will listen to the RABs' capital priorities at March's full meeting before considering applications further.
"Reverse King's Head decision," Smith asks
Culture Secretary Chris Smith has intervened in the row over the London Boroughs Grants Committee decision to abandon funding of the King's Head Theatre. "Please," he wrote to Sandy Marks, LBGC chair, "do not deal it this body-blow." He was acting as the local MP (Islington South and Finsbury) and not as Secretry of State and a spokeswoman for the DCMS said she knew nothing about the letter.
Victoria Wood is to appear in a gala performance in aid of the King's Head at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, on Sunday 22nd March.