Features

Fringe venue Assembly Hall on The Mound

Edinburgh 2024 in summary: recovering but not complacent

Festival leaders are cautious about celebrating increases in visitor numbers and ticket sales for the Edinburgh Fringe, International and Book Festivals.
Fringe brochure 2024

A week at the Edinburgh Fringe 2024

Andrew Cowie was not in Edinburgh as a reviewer for BTG, but here he reflects on a week's Festival theatre-going as an audience member.
Show & Tell

Sir Alan Ayckbourn: An Unstoppable Phenomenon

The venerable and ever-popular Sir Alan Ayckbourn is about to direct his 90th play.
The Years

Are Audiences Becoming More Squeamish?

The definition of what might shock on stage changes from generation to generation. A recent case suggests that trigger warnings can still have some value.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024

Edinburgh 2024 recommendations

Andrew Cowie takes a look at this year's offerings across two Edinburgh festivals and gives his recommendations.
Mark Thomas Cuckooed poster

It’s That Time Again, Edinburgh Beckons

The Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe and Book Festival are about to open.
Brunton Theatre

Collapsing Theatres

For a few days last year, the plight of theatres blighted by RAAC made headline news. The story may have gone away, but the problem hasn't.
Lisa Nandy official portrait

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy

Philip Fisher considers whether the 13th culture secretary in under 15 years will be a breath of fresh air for the arts sector.
Angela Rayner at Glyndebourne

Into the Unknown

Will a new government be good for the arts? It can't be worse than the old!
Thangam Debbonaire with Caroline Dearnley, first cellist of the Britten Sinfonia

Cultural Envy

Philip Fisher considers an article by John Kampfner lambasting arts ministers and wonders what the post-election future might hold.
The Broadway Cruise

Something Completely Different

For those who want to indulge their love of musical theatre, The Broadway Cruise might be just the (expensive) ticket.
Equity

A Brighter Future for the Arts?

As Equity and the Labour Party issue their pre-election wish lists, Philip Fisher considers whether anything is likely to change in the near future.
The Stylish Kids in the Riot

Stylish Kids in Brighton

National news editor and London reviewer Sandra Giorgetti finds herself interviewing playwright Fraser Dodds following a scheduling mishap in Brighton.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Harry Potter Casts a Long Spell

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is getting into the Broadway record books. However, it cannot yet compare with London perennials.
The Lowry

Lowry launches 2024–26 Artist Development scheme

The Lowry makes a callout for six independent artists or companies based in the North of England to take part in a £40,000 development project.
Students at RADA

Sunak Attack on Arts

Rather than concentrating on the country's real problems, Rishi Sunak is once again indulging in culture wars.
David Troughton as Gloucester in King Lear

The Trigger Warnings Controversy

Some stars have been asking whether trigger warnings are necessary...
George Clooney in Good Night, and Good Luck

Star Casting Hits the Jackpot

Even by recent standards, the news that George Clooney is to make his Broadway debut is something special, but is it good for the theatre community?
Sheridan Smith in Opening Night

Did Brexit Close Opening Night?

Composer and lyricist Rufus Wainwright has alleged that Brexit is partially responsible for the closure of Opening Night. Is he right?
Mark Ravenhill

Playwriting 101 from Mark Ravenhill

Leading playwright Mark Ravenhill is offering an invaluable weekly course in playwriting. Even better, it is currently available free of charge.

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