... blow as Vernons decides to slash FSA contributions. Page 2 Hypno-qurts Controversial hypnotist quits the profession with a parting shot at his rivals. Page 3 Cool it Ice-T Tory MP blasts Channel 4 over new series for Cop Killer rap star. Page 3 Bonkers in Brussels Barmy new Euro-laws force Brussels penpushers to stand up for the arts. Page 4 Batey's back Derek Batey revives Mr and Mrs for ...

... the man who Barbi-can. say arts complex bosses. Page 2 Gay day It's a drag! admit police after Oldham gay club's legal triumph. Page 3 Livelihood threat Don't take our bread and butter, amateur walk-ons urged by pros. Page 4 Quick exit Stewart in charge at Hanley after Chris Grady's surprise departure. Page 5 No change The name remains the same. Equity representatives decide. Page 6 Little ...

... actor abroad Getting a break in the 'land of opportunity' is no sure thing See page 8 I don't believe it! Victor Meldrew finds time to rave on the radio Radto review, page 22 little Blackbird Florence Mills captured audiences with her nightingale sound Sm Heyday*, page 11 I Nan 2 LeaOw 8 letters 9 SlwPMte 10 Htrm 11 Badtattgt 19 Obituaries 30 TV Feature 23 I SuMtfers 28 Ctaailtetf X Dtectwy 39 ...

... at the Barbican boosted by two big name appointments. Page 2 Theatre losses battle Producers say they'll sue Leicester council in De Montfort panto row. Page 3 Top Variety personality Evergreen cabaret diva Shirley Bassey lands top showbiz award. Page 3 Classic putdown British companies just can't compete with us, boasts top Russian. Page 4 Time to go Why I'm quitting, by top Scottish theatre ...

... s boycott threat over Riverside de-recogni tion rumpus. Page 2 Equal rights plea**! Kitchen sink drama comes to Blackpool as CIU votes on women. Page 3 Pain never goes away Injury-jinxed showman Russ Conway suffers thumb acci dent horror. Page 3 Final cut East London anger after council votes to axe arts centre. Page 4 North and south No fun for Bournemouth but booming Blackpool gets set for ...

... Underneath the Arches tour flops again, without rights to perform. Page 2 Colourful display Winners of The Stage spon sored Critics' Circle London Drama Awards. Page 3 More trouble afoot Leicester's De Montfort Hall compensation row continues with new claims. Page 4 Watch out touts Westminster City Council clamps down on unscrupu lous ticket touts. Page 4 On course for comedy Doddy wants to ...

... ...

... Oh, what a night Sets, costumes, actors party specialist Theme Traders has never been so busy See page 23 Class acts John Cargill Thompson ponders what makes the best student showcase Leader feature, page 6 Danger zone Some venues are scary, but Saigon during the Vietnam War was something else See page 9 News 2 Obituaries 24 Leader 6 Suppliers 24 Letters 7 Books Service 26 Show People 8 ...

... twice in four days as double blaze hits National Theatre. Page 2 In the Black Granada to pay damages to Cilia charities after row over Channel 4 series. Page 3 Small, but Important Defend interest of smaller producers new PACT chief executive urged. Page 3 Dark days All but one staff member redundant as troubled Play house goes dark. Page 4 Nowhere to turn Troubled Thomdike Theatre £300,000 ...

... On the air-waves Jonathan Ruffle braved the Atlantic for the Radio 2 adaptation of The Cruel Sea See page 24 Hair-raising 'Wigs by Bert' is still as respected a trademark as it was a century ago Backstage, page 26 Frankly speaking Equity's vice-president discusses the union's future with Phil Gibby See page 8 ^DBBBJBjBJBjBiBjBjBj aaaaaaaasB>aa>*BjeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaB News 2 Leader 8 Letters 9 ...

... the right line English National Opera and deputies hammer out new chorus agreement. Page 2 Ads-mlrable action Substantial backing for Equity as union digs in over televi sion commercials. Page 3 No surprises there Ambassador group wins man agement contract and lease for Stoke complex. Page 4 Stepping up a gear New Dukes chief Marshall promises more in-house pro duction at Lancaster. Page 4 ...

... Banking on Bragg Love him or loathe him, Melvyn Bragg. is still TV's champion of the arts Broadcasting, page 26 Double vision Chris Honer has faith in the fortunes of Manchester's Library and Forum theatres See page 28 A lot to offer Don't underestimate the Theatre Investment Fund, says AK Bennett-Hunter Leader feature, page 8 News 2 Suppliers 29 Leader 8 Obituaries 30 Letters 9 Classified 31 ...