... At least have the courtesy to say 'no thanks' I refer to the recent abundance of correspondence regarding the perils of casting. My sympathies go to Peter Bradford (Letters, October 5, page 9). I have just completed an MA at the Central School of Speech and Drama. The course focuses on Shakespeare in practice, a subject that has had a particular fascination for me even before I trained as an ...

... Not quite my words on worth The final sentence of your report 'Equity bar over advertising row' (April 20, News, Front page) misquotes me. In supporting Equity's refusal to recruit non- members working on commercials for buyout, I said: Let us give some worth back to the Equity card. I feel sure the sentiment is shared by the whole member ship and not just those caught up in the commercials ...

... Limelight will still shine through Re: your article referring to The Limelight Academy, which has gone into liquidation following a fraud probe (April 27, News, page 5). Firstly, the liquidation does not come as a result of the fraud allegations allegations frequently made in our industry against hard working entrepreneurs who find it impossible to gain grant assistance but persevere with ...

... Sitcom proved to be a real howler I can fully understand Don Webb's concerns (April 27, Broadcasting Feature, page 27) that sitcoms today are less likely to be nurtured in a manner allowing a new show to develop an audience. However, the BBC's latest comedy disaster. Cry Wolf, was perhaps not the best example to use in illus trating shortsightedness or impatience on the part of TV controllers. ...

... Thank you all--but I'm not retiring just yet While wishing to thank everyone who helped to make such a success of the April 16 celebration of my 30 years of running The Sunday Times National Student Drama Festival, I should like to correct the impression that I have totally retired. In fact, I remain responsible for the National Student Theatre Company, Springboard Theatre Company, ...

... Remembering Jon Pertwee's Magic moments I am currently researching the life and career of the late Jon Pertwee, who starred as Doctor Who and Worzel Gummidge. I am trying to find information about a 1984 theatre production. The Magic Man, that he was involved in. I should be delighted to hear from anyone who either worked alongside Jon then, or who may be able to help me with some specific ...

... Recall those company days? I am working on a book involving my experiences in the professional theatre in Britain between 1946 and 1953. I should like to hear from anyone associated with the following companies, particularly at that time I was with them: Adelphi Guild Theatre; Cambourne Studio Theatre; Beulah Blagg's Repertory Company, Isles of Scilly; Leon Underwood's Lilac Time Company; ...

... Resurrecting King's Theatre What a pity that recent articles about the beautiful and listed King's Theatre in Southsea (May 1 8, News, page 4) suggest an acri monious feeling between local enthusiasts trying to bring it back to full-time use. All our supporters, amateur and professional, have the same objectives which are to bring this once outstanding theatre back as a venue that professional ...

... Help me pair up these pals My fiance Colin Stocks lost touch with his close friend Martin Mellett and should very much like to find him again. Martin was involved in the theatre, and wrote The Warrior Queen, which became a TV series starring Sian Phillips. He also wrote a book. Return to Witch Mountain, apparently written from the film screenplay. I have tried unsuccessfully to trace Martin ...

... Remembering the Harlequin If you were connected with Harlequin Ballet, in any capacity, (or know anyone that was) and have not already been contacted about a reunion to be held in late August 2001 in London, please get in touch with either of the following names below for more details. Patsy Urquhart (Beech) Tel 0044 1206 211162 or Hazel Moore e-mail: ha2elm00re@tiscalinet.it Heydays letters ...

... VAT battle already lost Your last issue devoted considerable coverage to various efforts to eliminate VAT on theatre tickets. The headline article (News, June 29, Front Page) noted appeals to the UK arts minister Alan Howarth. the ILAM's 'crusade to abolish' the tax and the RSC's appeals for VAT differentiation. The theme was continued in your editorial and letters pages. All of these ...

... On-line heckling is way out of line As if comedians' jobs aren't tough enough, I note that Jongleurs has decided to instigate 'on-line heckling' (News, June 22, page 5), where anonymous nerds will be able to send e-mails into the programme to be displayed onstage, behind the poor trembling victim, in a pathetic display, obviously influenced by the movie Gladiator. What next? Why not have ...