Administrators called in at the Wolsey
Administrators have been called in at Ipswich's Wolsey Theatre after the funders (Eastern Arts, Ispwich Borough Council and Suffolk County Council) withdrew their support. All 57 staff members were made redundant. Eastern Arts has recommended that the theatre be closed so that plans can be made for its future.North Western Arts have agreed to review the status of Bolton's Octagon after the Suppot Campaign for the Octagon Theatre (SCOT) announced an agreed £40,000 in additional funding, with a further £60,000 likely to be agreed by the end of May.
Richard Demarco's European Art Foundation has yet to find a home for its 500-seater tent for this year's Edinburgh Fringe, with the deadline for inclusion in the programme approaching fast.
Music/comedy venue the Famous Spiegeltent, normally resident on top of the Waverley Centre, is also currently homeless. The venue is traditionally the place where the winner of the Perrier comedy award is announced.
Edinburgh City Council is to require licensing of buskers on the Royal Mile during this year's Fringe, in a move motivated by concerns for public safety. It is expected that the Fringe Society will manage the scheme and operate a timetable. Concerns have been expressed that this might prevent theatre companies presenting "trailers" for their shows. A Society spokesperson emphasised that the new move would not prevent companies distributing leaflets.
Brighton's Komedia Theatre will be resident at the Southside venue on Nicholson Street at this year's Fringe. Southside's importance as a comedy and drama venue has been growing in recent years.
Huge Broadway advance for Iceman
The Almeida production of O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh, starring Kevin Spacey, has taken nearly $5m in advanced booking at Broadway's Brooks Atkinson Theatre. Tickets for the production are $100, the highest ever for a straight play. Top price for Amy's View and The Blue Room is $65.
ROH will not be finished on time
The refit of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden will not be completed on time for the handover in October. The audtorium and other essential spaces are expected to be completed but work will continue on other areas after the House reopens.
Mackintosh takes over two West End venues
Cameron Mackintosh has taken over the leases for the Queen's and Gielgud Theatres, after he outbid previous lease-holders Stoll Moss Theatres.