The Mousetrap began its 46th year last Tuesday (25th November), maintaining its position as the longest running show ever. For those who still don't know (!), it's an Agatha Christie and is playing at the St Martin's Theatre.
It is reported that a bailiff called at the Royal Opera House last week threatening to take away the payroll computer system unless a bill was paid. He was handed a cheque. The House denies that he was a bailiff or that his visit had anything to do with the payroll system.
Trevor Phillips, chairman of the London Arts Board, has demanded more control over Lottery funding, claiming it is impossible for the LAB to plan strategically when there is a "massive stream of money" affecting organisations within the area.
He also announced that, although £450,000 has been earmarked for theatre, the gap between what LAB is likely to get from the government and what they need to fund the organisations they support properly will be of the order of £1.4m.
Northampton merger on the cards
The Royal Theatre and the Derngate in Northampton are likely to merge if a joint Lottery bid is successful, Nothampton council has announced.
Latest financial news from the ITC
Figures from the Independent Theatre Council show that one in five small touring companies had their funding cut last year. On average local authority funds fell by 16% last year, but in Scotland the figure was 44%. Four percent fewer companies are producing new work and 58 established companies have closed in the last three years.
Royal and SunAlliance is continuing its support of the RSC's access programme for the disabled with a grant of £40,000 for audio-described and signed productions.
Evening Standard Theatre Awards
The annual Evening Standard Theatre Awards were announced on 28th November.
Closing in the West End this week:
Expected in the West End next year are a new musical Ragtime, plus Elton John's Glasses and Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens.