Features

Finborough Theatre

Favourite theatres on death row and an extra-terrestrial solution

Philip Fisher highlights the plight of the Finborough Theatre in London and some of Edinburgh's finest, while remaining cynical about the government's Moonshine project.
Julian Knight MP

A begging letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer

The DCMS committee has written to Rishi Sunak pleading for help for the arts.
Tony Boncza, Oliver Gully and Anna Andersen in The Mousetrap

Creatives versus Accountants

Philip Fisher worries about the future of the industry that we all love.
Encore Musicians

The day the music dies

National news editor and London reviewer Sandra Giorgetti takes a look at a recent survey that puts figures on the desperate straits of UK musicians.
Sam Mendes

A Drop in the Ocean

Philip Fisher reports on an open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and an Arts Council England bailout that will leave the self-employed drowning.
"Arctic Convoy" - the entire team: Helen Dobson (producer), Robbie Lee Hurst (actor, in costume), Viv Wiggins (actor, in costume), and me

Remembrance of Theatre Past 55–56: The End (Possibly)

Peter Lathan looks back at a career in theatre which stretches back to the 1960s. Here he describes how his career as an actor and director came to an end and thinks about what lies ahead.
Cast, in Order of Disappearance

Deadly Theatre—Simon Brett and Charles Paris (with a quick nod to Ngaio Marsh)

We all need escapism and Philip Fisher might have found the perfect escape in a long series of crime novels with a theatrical setting.
"Drac!"

Remembrance of Theatre Past 52–54: School, the Internet and Another Book

Peter Lathan looks back at a career in theatre which stretches back to the 1960s. Here he deviates from his original plan and goes back to when he was teaching drama before looking at how the British Theatre Guide began and his book on panto.
Talking Heads

Theatrical (Russian) Roulette

Philip Fisher considers the government's (second) announcement that some indoor theatres can reopen in limited fashion and highlights two exciting shows from major venues that will benefit.
Robbie Lee Hurst in "Arctic Convoy"

Remembrance of Theatre Past: 48–51: New Challenges

Peter Lathan looks back at a career in theatre which stretches back to the 1960s. Here he remembers some—for him—new and challenging theatre work.
Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Who will survive?

Peter Lathan asks which theatres, apart from the “crown jewels”, will survive the effects of the pandemic.
EU Flag

If the Pandemic Doesn’t Get the Arts, Brexit Will

Philip Fisher considers an open letter about EU and the arts written by Baroness Donaghy, Chair of the House of Lords EU Services Sub--Committee to Oliver Dowden.
"Adult Child Dead Child" performance in Germany

Remembrance of Theatre Past 45 – 47: Our Own Theatre Company

Peter Lathan looks back at a career in theatre which stretches back to the 1960s. Here he talks about KG Productions, the theatre company he founded.
The Mysteries: curtain Call in front of the Arbeia Roman Fort main gate

Remembrance of Theatre Past 42—44: Big Shows, Big Casts

Peter Lathan looks back at a career in theatre which stretches back to the 1960s. Here he talks about working with community casts on a series of large-scale shows.
Harold Pinter Theatre

Decimation of the Theatre Industry

Philip Fisher fears that the government's latest pronouncement is another step towards a disaster from which theatre could take a generation to recover.
Oliver Dowden

Government jump start funding for theatres and other arts organisations

The next stage of the government's funding for the arts has been announced. Many will see this complex package as too little too late.
To Wit: To Woo - Rachel Teate and Alex Kinsey reprise their roles in Romeo and Juliet (rehearsal pic)

Remembrance of theatre past 39–41: Oh, How I Missed Shakespeare!

Peter Lathan looks back at a career in theatre which stretches back to the 1960s. Here he looks back at the Shakespeare withdrawal symptoms he experienced after The Bard in the Park was cancelled.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge in Fleabag on Edinburgh Fringe

DCMS first report into the Impact of COVID-19

Philip Fisher summarises the first report published by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee into the impact of COVID-19 on theatres.
The Mousetrap

A Mystery to Rival The Mousetrap

Philip Fisher welcomes announcements about the reopening of some London theatres but questions the commercial rationale.
The Rye Hill home of the People's Theatre, Newcastle, in the 50s

Remembrance of Theatre Past 34–38: Shakespeare and Me

Peter Lathan looks back at a career in theatre which stretches back to the 1960s. Here he traces his love of Shakespeare right back to its beginnings in 1959 and its culmination 50 years later.