... Broadcasting, page 25 Holy alike Vicar Mark Oakley says the church and theatre have much in common See page 8 Risque road Bob Sterling recalls the seedier side of touring with dancers in Europe Heydays, page 11 Individual skill Why working freelance in the technical world is now an attractive option See page 26 News 2 Leader 8 Letters 9 Show People 10 Heydays 11 Broadcasting 25 Backstage 26 ...

... 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 ...

... year Peter Hepple discusses the events of the past 12 months in theatre See page 6 Last goodbye We remember some famous faces lost to the showbusiness world in 2000 Stage Tribute, page 9 Finely tuned A good year for BBC Radio in John Martland's review of the airwaves See page 22 News 2 Suppliers 24 Leader 6 Classified 25 Letters 7 Director 31 Profile 8 On Next Week 34 Stage Tribute 9 Theatre ...

... Final star for My Fair Lady named as National's Mrs Higgins is revealed. Page 2 Price of period piece Blackmailing locals hold production shoots to ransom, alleges producer. Page 3 Ball in Ken's court Mayor Livingstone could have final say over BBC's redevelopment. Page 3 Talking point Sherman chief calls Arts Council of Wales consultation 'a waste of time'. Page 4 Matchless performance Four ...

... LU UJ Reviewed inSTAGE this week AkJershot: The Wizard of Oz Apollo. Hammersmith: Dick WMttln£ton Barons Court Theatre: Dracula Basingstoke: Dick Whtttlngton and His Cat Belfast: Cinderella Bexhill-orvSea: Jack and the Beanstalk Bishops Stortford: Dick WhHtlngton Bournemouth: Aladdin Brentwood. Jack and the Beanstalk Bridlington: Aladdin Brighton: Cinderella, Yule Bristol: Peter Pan Camberley: ...

... Lloyd Webber vows Whistle Down the Wind will return as show is given notice. Page 2 Roaring success Tiger Aspect in deal with De La Guarda producer to bring TV stars to the stage. Page 3 Dawn of a new era Dawn Airey appointed chief executive of Channel 5 after Elstein's quick exit. Page 3 BasiMon battle Ken Campbell to face major UK theatre operators in fight for Basildon venue. Page 4 Close ...

... Looking ahead How Peggy Ramsay's legacy boosts the future of stage writers and writing See page 8 Cameo king Scene-stealing character actor Michael Ward helped create comedy classics Heydays, page 11 Northern delights The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama continues to thrive See page 26 News 2 Obituaries 27 Leader 8 Suppliers 28 Letters 9 Classified 29 Show People 10 Directory 43 ...

... for conflict Channel 4 embroiled in yet another Hollyoaks-style auditions row. Page 3 Pole position ITV merger ruling hailed as a victory for Granada in fran chise war. Page 3 What now for Kenny? Rumours rife that Ireland will leave Edinburgh Royal Lyceum. Page 4 Between the lines Chapter Arts Centre chief set for libel action against Arts Council of Wales. Page 4 Flying high Circus Space to ...

... the Rain transfers to Victoria Palace as La Cava moves in new deal. Page 2 Put on ice Dyke announces digital freeze to secure more money for terrestrial channels. Page 3 Scribes revolt Writers groups urge members not to sign BBC Radio contracts in bid to retain rights. Page 3 On par for the course Edinburgh International Festival chief Brian McMastcr signs for three more years. Page 4 Jim's ...

... shall overcome Scriptwriter Dan Becker believes that TAPS must be saved from the axe See page 22 Big Top twist Cardiff's NoFit State Circus offers a new and exciting spin on the artforrr Backstage, page 24 Guiding star Amanda Ira Aldridge helped nurture singing talent after illness ended her own careei See page 11 CONTENTS News 2 Leader 8 Letters 9 Show People 10 Heydays 11 Broadcasting 22 ...

... HOODIflg Up qppOql4MICf Patricia Routledge brings her Lady Bracknell to the West End in the New Year. Page 2 BoMf#n ups drama R4 controller Boaden to double number of 90-minute dramas on network next year. Page 3 AM to quit Cartton Waheed Alii announces plans to leave Carlton as massive restructuring begins. Page 3 ACW remains royal Arts Council of Wales not to lose Royal Charter, says culture ...

... 8 Writers block The future of BBC1 relies on giving writers freedom to create original drama Broadcasting, page 26 Comedy king Richard Wattis created his own brand of comedy in more than 100 Films See page 11 Sound advice Veteran sound engineer Richard Douglas-Green would like a bit of quiet Backstage, page 27 News 2 Leader 8 Letters 9 Show People 10 Heydays 11 Broadcasting 26 Backstage 27 ...