Features

Spike Rawlings (publicity pic)

Remembrance of Theatre Past 23–25: variety, the working men's clubs & Tommy Cooper

Peter Lathan looks back at a career in theatre which stretches back to the 1960s. Here he talks about his involvement in variety and the working men’s club scene, including an encounter with Tommy Cooper.
Julian Bird

Theatre Makes Its Case in Parliament

Philip Fisher reports on the Department of Culture Media and Sport Parliamentary Select Committee Meeting 9 June 2020.
GM Fringe

Can the fringe save live theatre?

With news that fringe theatre companies are hoping to offer plays from October, David Cunningham explores whether this development will help stimulate the return of live theatre.
Rt Hon Oliver Dowden MP

The art of letters – another missive for Dowden

National News Editor and London Reviewer Sandra Giorgetti is monitoring the letters landing on the doormat of DCMS Minister, Oliver Dowden.
London Stage in the 20th Century

Robert Tanitch’s fantasy theatre performance picks

Robert Tanitch proposes his 10 fantasy performances from stage history, plus a bonus song.
Gregory Doran, Artistic Director of the RSC

First Glimmers of Hope

Philip Fisher explores some prospective opportunities to see live theatre later in the year.
Aladdin at the Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, North Yorkshire

Panto season 2019: some reflections

Simon Sladen looks back to Panto Season 2019.
Chris Carrell in the Ceolfrith Arts Centre in 1971

Remembrance of Theatre Past (18–22): Ceolfrith Arts Centre

Peter Lathan looks back at a career in theatre which stretches back to the 1960s. This instalment goes back to the late sixties / early seventies and Sunderland’s Ceolfrith Arts Centre and his own "Annus Mirabilis"!
Lord Gilbert of Panteg, chair of The House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee

A plague on whose House?

National News Editor and London Reviewer Sandra Giorgetti looks at the response to the recently convened Cultural Renewal Taskforce.
David Mitchell as William Shakespeare

Shakespeare Ancient and Modern

Philip Fisher enters the debate on whether bringing Shakespearean productions into modern settings is a good idea.
Alphabetti Theatre interior

Support your local theatres—please

Amid all the concern for the dangers to West End theatres and the major national companies brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, Peter Lathan makes a plea that local theatre throughout the UK should not be forgotten.
The opening night of Victor Hugo's Hernani at the Comédie-Française on 25 February 1830

Look back with caution, and context

David Chadderton enters into the game of fantasy historical theatre recordings, but sounds a note of caution to anyone delving into the past in this way for pleasure or for research that context is everything.
Anton Lesser in Julius Caesar

Remembrance of Theatre Past (15–17): More on the Tynewear Theatre Company

Peter Lathan looks back at a career in theatre which stretches back to the 1960s. This instalment looks at his time with the Tynewear Theatre Company at Newcastle Playhouse and Newcastle Theatre Royal and how it came to an end.
Panto in Lockdown

Panto in Lockdown: A Roundup

Simon Sladen surveys the online pantomime initiatives keeping the genre alive during lockdown.
Alan Bennett signing at the Edinburgh Book Festival in 2007

Taking tea with Alan Bennett

Sally Jack remembers her nervous encounter with a 'National Treasure' at the National Theatre.
NRTF - National Rural Touring Forum

Size matters

Sandra Giorgetti considers theatre at this time of crisis, particularly the smaller venues and rural touring.
Sonia Friedman

Save Our Theatres

According to Sonia Friedman, "Theatre stands on the brink of ruin". Philip Fisher echoes her plea for government support before it is too late.
Kevin Whately in Lewis

Remembrance of Theatre Past (12–14): Tynewear Theatre Co

Peter Lathan looks back at a career in theatre which stretches back to the 1960s. This instalment looks at his time with the Tynewear Theatre Company at Newcastle Playhouse.
The Art of the Artistic Director: Conversations with Leading Practitioners

Theatre Book Prize shortlist and latest news

In 1998, to mark the Golden Jubilee of its inauguration, the Society for Theatre Research established the Theatre Book Prize as an annual award for the best new book published in English about any aspect of British theatre. Details of this year's shortlisted books, judges, authors and entries.
Maria Callas as Tosca on the cover of the CD recording

Opera Nights to Dream About

Simon Thomas fantasises about great nights at the opera.