... Belief in subsidy SIR, As a member of the public I read the letter from Johnny Dallas with growing disbelief (Stage, June 9). Are we really to assume that he and his fellow Variety artists have never appeared in a municipally owned theatre or hall, and that every variety programme makes money for the theatre? If he reads the reports in The Stage of local councils discussing shows put on at ...

... Needed now more than ever SIR, The possible closure of The Academy Drama School indeed has caused me great concern and personal concern as I am due to commence its Evening Course in September. Like an increasing number of poten tial students, I was offered a place at a top Drama School but was unable to attend due to being denied a grant by a Local Authority (in my case, the tight- fisted East ...

... There's more to commitment than three years in drama school SIR, For Mr Smith (and nine others) to be able to claim that the Equity Catch 22 thing is silly, it is obvious that none of them ever spent weeks preparing for a regional audition, impressed the directors involved, only to be asked Are you Equity? and then to be shown the door, with profuse gies and qualifications, when the ...

... 'Say what you mean and mean what you say' SIR--Glad to see the words some of a Lettish persuasion in the editorial (July 11). Unhappily some of our most vociferous actors and actresses berate people who don't subscribe to their particular brand of politics in spite of demanding and accepting wealth and privilege for themselves. They do it loudly from the stage, in books, and on television ...

... What price for theatre's scoup? SIR--It is ironic that in the week Temba Theatre Company announced its closure. The Royal National Theatre presented the premiere of Coup, a new play by Mustapha Matura. The first of this major black British writer's works to be pro duced by one of our major National companies. Mustapha Matura's first Temba production was in 1975 I hope that the company is still ...

... BOV's too good to be forgotten SIR--The Editor of The Stage obviously has a sense of irony that would be amusing were not the content of the two articles that appeared on the front page of the July 11 issue so tragic. I refer, of course, to the article by Helen Gould: Bristol Old Vic set to close and the neighbouring article by Brian Atwood: Labour comes out top in arts. Obviously in these ...

... 'Laugh?--I couldn't SIR If Plaza Patrol is the best television that Cannon And Ball have done (Television Reviews, Jury 18) I shudder to think how bad the other television scripts they have done must havt- been. The first episode had a plot that must have been thought up by a five- year old. And the painfully corny lines (I won't call them gags) must have come out of a very old Christmas ...

... Shock at the awards SIR- I write whilst still reeling from the shock having just watched the 1989 Laurence Olivier awards on BBC Television this evening. i uv itasuu ipsa iiij ituiiui came about when Petula Clark opened her mouth not because I thought she might sing, although she did waffle on about the beauty of Surrey's blooming bluebells, but because she was the one announcing the award for ...

... Mum's not the word SIR, 1 am very glad that The Stage has reported the sponsorship by Fujitsu of the British Theatre Association's gala on January 14 but would like to point out that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother will not be attending. Sally Meades Director British Theatre Association Regents Park London NW1 ...

... Acting for students SIR, The Trustees of The Howard Lloyd Lewis Fund would like to thank all those who were involved in and contributed to the Celebration Event at The Forum Theatre, Wvthenshawe on December 15. The proceeds ot this event and other donations are to be invested to provide an annual award to a student of The East 15 Acting School. Anyone wishing to make further contributions to ...

... The other election campaign SIR,--The Equity Council elections are coming up again and many members, not just new ones, have never voted before. How do you make up your mind who to vote for? Here are a few hints. Take a look at the track record of the candidates, see what they support, and glance at the names of their proposers and seconders. Ask yourself, is this the son of person who ...

... Handl quest SIR, I am currently in the process of writing an appreciation of the life and work of the actress Irene Handl. I would welcome, from all members of the entertainment profession, any information, memories and anecdotes they may recall concerning this delight ful lady. If anyone can supply me with photo graphs, programmes, press cuttings or correspondence, I will gladly refund the ...