... promise British theatre is making a big impression in Japan, as Maureen Paton discovers See page 8 The chase is on Michael Kilgarriff recalls his tangled dealings with one impossible impresario Backstage, page 34 Long-term success How male impersonator Hetty King remained a favourite for 75 years Heydays, page 11 ^^PB|HHHHH|^H News 2 Leader 8 Letters 9 Show People 10 Heydays 11 Broadcasting 24 ...

... On their own How BBC Radio's links with independent production companies are paying off See page 24 The write track Why fledgling playwrights are being sent to Coventry and The Writing House See page 26 Licence to kilt Scotsman Harry Lauder's brand of wry humour made him a music hall legend Heydays, page 11 News 2 Leader 8 Letters 9 Show People 10 Heydays 11 Broadcasting 24 Backstage 25 ...

... Room Club defeated in court battle to keep West End home. Page 2 Contentious topics Overseas sales and treatment of walk-ons central to PACT agreement talks. Page 3 Digital downturn Job losses not ruled out by BBC in response to Government licence ruling. Page 3 Dai hard support i Arts Council 'Taffia' forced closure of Made in Wales, claims Teare. Page 4 Talking points Equity regional theatre ...

... Writer Diana Marr- Johnson recalls her famous uncle W Somerset Maugham See page 11 One to sing about Opera magazine is marking its 50th birthday, but shows no sign of losing its punch See page 26 Soho attraction Devoted to new work, a striking new London venue opens soon Leader feature, page 8 News 2 Obituaries 28 Leader 8 Suppliers 29 Letters 9 Classified 30 Show People 10 Directory 42 ...

... for new chairman as Trevor Phillips stands down. Page 2 Action threat BECTU begins strike ballot after Scottish Media Group talks break down. Page 3 Uncertain times Bush Theatre collaboration with C4 up in air after TV director departs. Page 3 Cash questions Leslie Nielsen's tour producer accused of owing thousands from previous shows. Page 4 Taking note Musicians' Union to meet watchdog ...

... Room seeks leave to appeal against court ruling of eviction from home. Page 2 Soap in hot water Brookside producer rebukes cast members for on-set behaviour. Page 3 Au revolr Renard ITV drama chiefs shock at axing of John Thaw series prior to broadcast. Page 3 No expense spared Landmark theatre factory to be constructed by Plymouth Theatre Royal. Page 4 Recovery pledge Arts Council interim ...

... guide to treading the boards with the UK's best summer workshops See pages 26-28 Liable to offend Ratings hungry shock jocks are courting trouble with the law Broadside, page 25 Fun of the fair Meet the brains behind the touring sensation that is Carousel See page 8 News 2 Amateurs 30 Leader 8 Obituaries 31 Letters 9 Suppliers 32 Show People 10 Classified 33 Heydays 11 Directory 46 ...

... Uncertain stage Concern as dance specialist appointed new London Arts Board theatre chief. Page 2 Centre of attention Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch, regains core funded status after 15-year gap. Page 2 Numbers countdown BECTU membership plummets as one in nine leave union during 1998/9. Page 3 Knowing him Aha! Alan Partridge returns to BBC2 as Steve Coogan agrees new series deal. Page 3 Vital ...

... pages 24-29 Good evening Multi-talented stage star Henry Goodman is taking on late-night cabaret Leader, page 6 Tuned in BBC licence fee payers get good value for money, argues Anthony Field See page 23 Wide range Diversity is the watchword of award-winning set designer Es Devlin Backstage, page 30 |[miyHKattl News 2 Leader 6 Letters 7 Show People 8 Heydays 9 Broadcasting 23 Clowns/Circuses24 ...

... In the frame Charles Aznavour talks about his role in bringing Lautrec's life to the stage Leader, page 8 Big bang theory How Howard Goodall's latest TV venture explores classical music's evolution Broadcasting, page 25 Kindling creativity From the ashes of a Bristol cigarette factory a new site for drama has been born See page 34 Nstn 2 Book Service 35 Leadar 8 Obituaries 36 Letters 9 ...

... A touch of class Legendary Broadway star Chita Rivera brings revue to Cambridge Theatre. Page 2 Picket defences Strike action begins at SMG as early as next week after ballot goes union's way. Page 3 Beeb bombshell Bleasdale promises new drama will be controversial and politically sensitive. Page 3 Bowing out Salisbury Festival chief quits claiming 'enough is enough' in battle for funding. ...

... Actor Ian llintolt believes casting directors and agents hinder performers Leader feature, page 6 All's Fair A Thomas Hardy short story has inspired a new musical adaptation Backstage, page 24 Techno forum Our list of exhibitors at the ABTT Trade Show 2000 has plenty to attract visitors See pages 25-27 ?^?V9R!Wfl!Wfl^B^Ba News 2 Leader 6 letters 7 Show People 8 Heydays 9 Broadcasting 23 ...