... 'Equity's discreditable role in credit card affair' SIR--I read with interest your frontpage article about Equity's row with the Bank of Scotland over the Unity Credit Card scheme (Equity banking row, The Stage, March II). I have personally been in dispute with the Bank of Scotland over this card because I received no notice of the levying of an annual fee. However, the real scandal here is ...

... Putting the record company straight Contfrom P9 SIR,--With reference to your story in Television Diary titled Something old that makes us blue (Feb 10) which complains at the lack of 'new' music talent on television. It is necessary to establish some facts surrounding your criticism of the One To One show. Firstly, the programme is made by an entirely independent company Wot Films Ltd and was ...

... 'Toughen up your act' Trials and tribulations in the run-up to this year's Equity Council election I SIR As Act for Equity is prepared to take the time and I expense of a full page of self-promotion in The Stage, it will I not, I am democratically sure, object to a casual scrutiny I of its assertions. I Act for Equity, we are told, was founded in 1976. I There was then a Labour Government, ...

... 'We're on course, are you?' SIR Whilst understanding the frus tration expressed by those interviewed by Ann FitzGerald for her Ethnic Arts in Birmingham article (June 4), the implication that training opportunities do not exist for West Midlands black and South Asian artists is quite mis leading. This summer, for example, the Birmingham National Dance Agency is running courses which directly ...

... SIR--Re: Colin A Wards' letter, November 12. I am a professional clown/childrens' entertainer age 28. I have been performing at childrens parties since 1986-- I do games, magic, juggling, play the piano, and clown routines. I have studied and trained in voice, movement, drama, improvisation, clowning, stage management at the City Lit, Wl also taken pan in a couple of pantomimes acting a lit ...

... ITC completes the picture SIR Your front page article of the February 1 1 (Equity goes to war for the self-employed), concern ing the intended test case against the Inland Revenue regarding per formers' tax status, pre sented an incomplete list of those partaking in the legal costs of this action. The action is in fact being brought under the auspices of the Theatres' National Committee, the ...

... Mersey history project SIR As part of my access to higher education course I am doing a project on the history of The Liverpool Playhouse. I would be interested to hear from anyone who worked there from 1925 onwards, either actors, backstage, or front-of house. Philip Brown 7 Orrysdale Road West Kirby Wirral Merseyside ...

... 'Experience isn't always everything' SIR,-- Having admitted that I was right in saying anyone with experience in our profession is as worthy as himself of being elected to the Equity Council, Howard Goorney now tries to claim he had already made that point (July 12). Not true. It was because he inferred (deliberately or otherwise) .that Act For Equity candidates were perhaps less worthy ...

... A clear case of mistaken identity SIR, With regard to a recent article in The Stage Companies at loggerheads over logo (July 5). I was somewhat taken aback at your reporting of Esprit de Corps being warned of having to face legal action unless we stopped using the logo of the Wolverhampton Group, Open Door Theatre con sidering such a warning has not been received. Open Door are just in their ...

... Temba's fly as small-scale theatres seek aid SIR,--It is with regret rather than pleasure that I have read your seemingly campaigning article on Temba's and small-scale theatre's behalf this week (July 12). I am not suiprised at the tone of the Arts Council's or Cockspur Rum's subsequent response to me when the first is being accused of stifling development while, in truth, having enabled ...

... SIR How refreshing to read an article in your publication in which the writer opens his mouth and jumps in with both feet. The cynical seg ment referred to the search for Lola in the forthcoming production of Copacabana (Chit Chat, January 27, 1994), where of course it must have been obvious to every sane man amongst us that the search was pure 'hype' and therefore a star name would be drafted ...

... Pointing out the pressure points SIR,-- James Ottaway's letter last week. Actions Speak Louder Than Words (July 5), continues the tradition of Equity's Right-wing of spreading half-truths, distortions and lies about the left, in this case Equity Left Alliance. so, some tacts to set tbe record straight: ELA is not a band of fragmented socialists, as Ottaway claims. We arc an pressure group, ...