A call for the reduction of the rate of VAT on theatre tickets is expected to be made at a conference on the arts and sponsorship, organised by the RSC, on 1st December. The conference will open with a speech from Culture Secretary Chris Smith, which is expected to coincide with the public funding announcement for next year.
Manchester theatres come off the Web
The joint Website for the Manchester Palance and Opera House has been closed down. The theatres had a year's trial with UK Theatre Web and all there is there now is a message that they have closed the site.
Wimbledon Theatre refurbishment
The Wimbledon Theatre will close throughout 1998 for refurbishment.Equity to take Damn Tankees producers to court
Equity is to take Damn Yankees producer Frank Gero to court over unpaid wages to performers in the show which closed in September.
Cast members of the long-running ITV drama series The Bill are to appear in a London fringe production of Lone Star by James McLure at the Old Red Lion, Islington. Directed by Russell Boulter (DS Boulton), the play will feature Tom Butcher (PC Loxton), Mark Wingett (DC Carver), and Huw Higginson (PC Garfield).
Scarborough's council-owned Spa Theatre will go dark for the summer season to help keep the Futurist Theatre open for another year. The decision was made after it was learned that summer audiences had dropped by 22% this year and tourist spending in the town has dropped by 20% over the last ten years.