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Features

Boris Johnson

You Can’t Trust the Missus

As Omicron threatens Christmas, the Prime Minister is unmasked as Macbeth.
Jonny and the Baptists

Protecting Our Theatres

Philip Fisher wonders whether producers should be more proactive in defending themselves against coronavirus closure.
Marlowe Theatre receives £1m

Weasels take the credit: CRF3

Continuity Support and CRF 3 Emergency Resource Support announced this week.
The Plague Thing

Vaccine Pass(port)

Is it only a matter of time before the UK government follows Scotland and Wales and obliges theatres to demand vaccine passes?
21 Round For Christmas

Sick of Cinders and delighted by Dick [Whittington]

Sandra Giorgetti considers some geographically arbitrary alternative festive options with a dollop of [cranberry] sauce.
We’re all in this together

We’re all in this together

A reviewer looks at the complexities arising from expecting artists to be socially responsible and decides to run away.
Chris Honer rehearsing

Manchester theatre mourns passing of Chris Honer

The charming and much-admired Chris Honer, artistic director of Manchester’s Library Theatre from 1987–2014, died last week.
James McAvoy in Cyrano

Ticket Prices

Inflation is sending ticket prices out of the range of normal theatre-goers, let alone the young, and could threaten diversity in the longer term.
The Pantomime: Harlequin

North East Christmas productions 2021

Peter Lathan lists all the professional pantos and other Christmas shows in the North East between late November 2021 and early January 2022.
Macbeth at the Almeida Theatre

Not Quite the Real Thing – but Nearly

Philip Fisher considers the current coronavirus statistics and reminds readers about a new, happy medium.
When the Birds Land

Walking ‘The Walk’: Taking part in 'When the Birds Land'

A reviewer takes part in the climax of an event to raise awareness of challenges facing refugees by welcoming Little Amal to Manchester.
The Cast of The Mirror and the Light

The Budget v. The Pandemic

Philip Fisher outlines some Budget announcements that will help the cultural sector but also notes early closures of two major productions.
Royal Exchange Theatre

Exchange disrupts its building's history

David Cunningham attends the launch of the Royal Exchange Theatre's Disrvpt programme, looking at whether associations with the slave trade in the 18th century via cotton traders are putting off audiences today.
Angels in America

2+2 = 7 – Theatrical Economics

We have had a tough 18 months but the cultural sector is not safe yet.
Affair of the Heart

Do Spoilers Spoil?

Philip Fisher challenges an assertion by Michael Billington regarding the revelation of plot twists in reviews.
Trevor Dion Nicholas in Aladdin

To Mask or Not to Mask

Theatregoers are no longer legally obliged to wear masks. Is this good or bad news?
Kae Tempest's Paradise

Dramatists Guild of America Model Agreement on Inclusion

The industry is taking great steps towards full diversity and conclusion. A new document will help the crusade.
Nadine Dorries MP

Introduction to New Culture Minister Nadine Dorries

Philip Fisher has done some research into the woman who we would like to think might be the saviour of the arts.
Rowan Atkinson as Fagin

The Next Hurdle

Shows may gradually be opening but theatre finances could still be a concern.
The Ghost Light burning at Northern Stage

Back in a theatre—at last!

Peter Lathan talks about his return to theatre after so many months.