... Manchester memories SIR, How many artists are still around who appeared on the boards of the former Queens Park Hippo drome, Manchester and the Salford Hippodrome? Some may be able to reminisce over Bolton's Grand. Neville Dyer 2 Moorland Avenue Manchester M8 6WT Tel: 06 1-740 08 11 ...

... INFORMATION PLEASE am. i am trying to collect details of my great-grandfather's stage career and I should like to ask, through the columns of your paper, if any of your senior readers remembers working with him. His name was Frederick Henry Horscroft (but I do not know if he also used this as his stage name). He was bom in Brighton in 1847 and moved to London in the 1870s, where his only child ...

... Credit for The Squirrels Dear Sir Not for the first time I have read an article in your paper where the writer interviewed describes ho^ he wrote The Squirrels (interview with Brian Finch, Television Today November 29). Just to complete the picture and clear up any misconception I would point out that I created The Squirrels for ATV (not Granada) wrote the first series for which I received the ...

... Due credit SIR, Letters pages are usually reserved for complaints, but perhaps I might be permitted to heap just a little praise on one of our most maligned institutions. As co- organiser of North West Two at the National Theatre an exhibition of contemporary Northern artists which continues till after Christmas I would wish to publicly thank the management which was found to be the ultimate ...

... AUDITIONS SIR.--Why should actors loathe doing speeches? ii is our job ianu surely, pleasure and privilege?) to interpret the English language, speak it in telligently. and establish character. Of course an isolated speech is technically in a vacuum, but a director is not asking for a finished dramatic performance. An extract from a part previously played should possess enough theatrical flesh ...

... MANY THANKS SIR, Since my recent disablement I have been overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness shown to me and my family by all my friends and colleagues. I have been unable to thank them all personally for their letters and enquiries, and it is im possible for me to thank all who have contributed, through Larry Dalzell, to what I can only describe as my nursing fund as they have ...

... ADVICE FROM ELVY SIR, Reading, with quite some fascination, the Equity infighting through courtesy of your columns, I find myself reluctantly drawn into the debate if only to brinR some facts (no less) to the attention of Equity's membership. nuuui iwu years ago t,iuuuwmK almost three days and nights of virtually non-stop writing, and redrafts) I sent the Council the completed document ...

... 'Pathetic outcry' over child laws SIR. Having read the alarming article on page 3 of last week's THE STAGE, I feel compelled to write in reply to Dorothy Solomon's pathetic outcry regarding the British laws concerning child performers. Ms Solomon does not seem to realise that the laws are for the protection of children, and are aimed at ensuring they receive a halt de cent education and are ...

... Backstage stars SIR, May I ask why, at the back of a programme, are there never any biographical notes about the stage management? If the lowliest spear- carrier gets a couple of lines at the bottom of the list, then why not the ASM who has set stages and struck sets in countless different theatres up and down the country? Will the backstage stars please stand up. Rowena Goldman 49 Canons ...

... Good comedy SIR, I would like to endorse the second paragraph of Philip Smith's letter in THE STAGE of July 5, regarding the reopening of the Blackpool Grand Theatre at the earliest possible moment. Why couldn't the Grand have staged a good comedy play for the 1979 summer season? This is a form of entertainment which has proved to be a sure winner with Blackpool audiences, and this season is ...

... Left out Dear Sir, On watching my favourite pro gramme, Thames's This Is Your Life, on Elaine Paige I was surprised, disgusted and disappointed at the omission of Mrs Aida Foster and Anita Foster. I used to chaperone Elaine Paige who was at the Aida Foster School for five years. Without their help she might not be where she is today. Perhaps the producer would like to comment. Yours sincerely. ...

... Not there to vote SIR, I am interested to learn from George Gabriel's letter (February 8) how 1 voted on Madhav Sharma's SGM motion a meeting at which I was not present. Marius Goring c/o 8 Harley Street, London Wl. ...