Small companies must wait, says ACE
The launch of the Arts Council's stabilisation scheme has been put off till April, leaving many small-scale touring companies, which were expecting to hear in the Autumn if they were to receive money, in desperate straits. It is reported in The Stage that one of the reasons for the delay is that consultants retained by ACE cannot cope with the amount of work involved.
Another factor is thought to be a disagreement over how the available money is to be divided between the RABs. ACE's original plan was to divide the companies equally across the country but the London Arts Board objected as it is responsible for the majority of the affected companies.
About 100 companies across the sountry could be affected.
ITV Autumn season to be costume drama-led
Three costume dramas are to be the centre-pieces of the ITV Autumn season. Leading the way is a seven hour adaptation by Alan Bleasdale of Oliver Twist, supported by adaptations of Northanger Abbey and The Turn of the Screw.