Features

Berwick Kaler as Mrs Hettie Hood in 'Robin Hood and his Merry Mam!' at York Theatre Royal

The Merry Men of Pantoland: Berwick Kaler, Kenneth Alan Taylor and Andrew Pollard

With three of the country's leading panto power houses presenting Robin Hood as this year's festive entertainment, Simon Sladen speaks to the men responsible for the annual fun-fest at York Theatre Royal, Nottingham Playhouse and Greenwich Theatre about their experiences as writer, Dame and director.
Sophyia Haque (Sylvia Morgan), Simon Russell Beale (Captain Terri Dennis), Joseph Timms (Private Steven Flowers) in Privates On Parade from Michael Grandage Company at Noël Coward Theatre

Review of the Year - The London Stage

London editor Philip Fisher gives his review of the London theatre scene in 2012 and his awards for the best of the year.
Jo Forest

Jo Forest by Hook or by Hook

Sandra Giorgetti talks to actress Jo Forest about Wendy and the other roles life has brought her.
Brad Fitt

Dame for a Laugh!

Simon Sladen speaks to producer and pantomime practitioner Brad Fitt about his theatrical career.
Robin Pemberton-Billing beside the plaque that gave him the title of Founder Artistic Director in 2010

Robin Noel Pemberton-Billing: 5 April 1929-18 November 2012

Phil Butterworth was one of five Loughborough students who approached their tutor in 1966 with the idea to create a new theatre in Bolton, Lancashire. The tutor, Robin Pemberton-Billing who died this week at the age of 83, spearheaded the project to build the Octagon Theatre and was its first artistic director. Phil recalls the achievements of his former tutor.
Boyzone's Shane Lynch as Abanazar

From Nice to Nasty: Shane Lynch looks forward to his first season as a Panto Villain

Simon Sladen speaks to Boyzone’s Shane Lynch about playing Abanazar in Aladdin at the Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks.
People Like Us / Happy Never After

Playwrights Jake Brunger and Hannah Rodger at the Pleasance

Producer James Quaife interviews playwrights Jake Brunger and Hannah Rodger.
Costume Designs for 'Simon', 'Dame' and 'Jack'

“Colour, glitter, laughter, a Giant and damn good costumes!”

Simon Sladen speaks to Phil Lowe, Nicola Downing and Richard Foxton, the Creative Team behind Harrogate Theatre's 2012 pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.
Ophelia

Pre-Raphaelites: Victorian Avant-Garde

Philip Fisher reports on a new exhibition with a Shakespearean twist at Tate Britain
The Cast of 'Jack and the Beanstalk' at Fairfield Halls, Croydon

“Fun, laughter and everyone having a flipping good time enjoying themselves”

Simon Sladen speaks to the cast of 'Jack and the Beanstalk' at Fairfield Halls, Croydon.

A Cultural History of English Pantomime, ca. 1820 – 1910

Simon Sladen speaks to Professor Jeffrey Richards (co-investigator) and Dr Peter Yeandle (research associate) at the conclusion of their three year-long pantomime research project.
Conrad Nelson and Lenny Henry in Othello

Lenny Henry puts stand-up on hold for acting

Lenny Henry has warned his multitude of fans that his new tour may be the last opportunity to see him doing stand-up for some time – because acting has now become the biggest part of his career.
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Director Sean Tobin on The Perfection of 10 in Singapore

Australian director Sean Tobin talks about directing new writing showcase The Perfection of 10 at the Esplanade in Singapore.
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Carol Tambor Paintings at C ECA

New Yorker Carol Tambor, who is best known for endowing an award for the best Fringe show, has a hidden side.
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Nigel Charnock 1960-2012

A huge loss to the contemporary dance world, performer, choreographer and director Nigel Charnock died late on 1 August at St Christopher's Hospice in South London.
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The Other Perspective: Romanian Theatre in London 4-11 July

Cristina Catalina introducees a unique opportunity for Londoners to put a finger on the pulse of contemporary Romanian theatre.
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Delivering Sustainable Theatres

A report on the Theatres Trust 2012 Conference held at Stratford Circus on 12 June 2012.
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Inaugural Manchester Theatre Awards event

Leading figures from Manchester's theatres gathered on Friday 18 May for the presentation of the inaugural Manchester Theatre Awards.
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Tough as old boots Gwen Taylor comes home

Gwen Taylor who is back on stage in her home city for the first time in 14 years returns to Derby on a high.
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Dukes takes Lancashire Witch Trial play on tour for 400th anniversary

A grim part of the country’s history is the focus of a play being toured by Lancashire’s own producing theatre this summer.