British Theatre News

News Index

Dateline: 26th April, 1998

New Director for ROH

Richard Jarman, interim general manager of the Cambridge Arts Theatre, has been appointed interim artistic director of the Royal Opera House under a two year fixed-term contract. He has been general director of Scottish Opera and has worked for both the English National Ballet and the Edinburgh International Festival.

New Audiences Scheme

Chris Smith, the Culture Secretary, has announced that £5m will be given to the arts to develop new audiences. £750,000 of this will be used to bring work to deprived areas, and this will be administered by the Regional Arts Boards.

Equity/TMA Deal

Equity and the TMA have agreed new contracts for commercial/provincial theatre. The new minimum wage has been set at £191.25 a week, well below the £250 that Equity originally demanded. Touring allowances have gone up by £4 and susbsistence payments by £2.50. A maximum wage has also been agreed - £397 per week.

BAFTA TV nominations announced

Best Actress

Best Actor

Best Light Entertainment Performance

Best Comedy Performance

Best Single Drama

Best Drama Series

Best Drama Serial

Best Light Entertainment

Best Comedy

The awards will be presented at the Prince of Wales Theatre on Monday, 9th May.