... Thorndike arts scheme could break new ground The recent report on the situation following the feasibility study into the Thorndike Theatre, Leatherhead (February 3, News, page 4) was accurate but a little misleading. It has been very clear, ever since the venue closed in 1997, that finance for the reinstatement of a producing theatre, however distin guished, was not available from any source. ...

... Debate will follow Robinson review The Government's response to All Our Futures. Professor Ken Robinson's review of arts education and provision for children, may have slipped. out quietly' (February 10, News, page 6), but arts practitioners will be making a very public response at the Action for Children's Arts annual conference in April. ACA has support from professionals working for ...

... Who was in seaside scene? Watching the excellent film Brighton Rock recently, I noticed a brief scene featuring a bandleader and a beautiful lady vocalist in the Regent Ballroom. I am curious to find out who these two artists are or were, but have been unable to do so. Having asked experts and friends in the music business, I have drawn a blank. Perhaps someone knows something about one or ...

... Time for a new look at Novello Graham Tubb I am currently reading Paul Webbs book on Ivor Novello. Surely it is time that at least one of Novello's musicals was revived? How about a new production of The Dancing Years? I am sure that the National Theatre could do it as a contrast to American revivals. Perhaps Welsh National Opera could mount a production, starting in Cardiff where Novello once ...

... Will the real variety please stand up? One is prompted to ask how much longer the word 'variety' can be included in the Royal Variety Show (News, December 14, page 5) without actually contravening the Trades Descriptions Act? We were subjected to an evening of singing and comedy, with the closest links to variety being two appear ances by the same company, Cirque du Soleil. As a member of a ...

... Nally's actions are not in the spirit of things I am writing in response to your article in this week's edition of The Stage (February 10, News, Front page) regarding Casper producer Patrick Nally's advice to the West End that shows such as his are the future ot the capital s theatre. I was the production costume supervisor on Casper and, in common with most of the creative team, am still ...

... Would love to remake old ties After many years overseas in Africa, I have returned home for good. I would love to hear from any old friends who were at PARADA or RADA between 1951 and 1953. My phone number is 0793 nn Tin Sheila Ferguson (nee Ward) 20a Mercers Road London N19 4PJ ...

... Travelling performers hurt by fuel costs too Never mind the hauliers and the farmers, it seems to have gone unnoticed that the entertainment business has also been decimated by the high cost of fuel. Many of the small acts who rely on the one night stands in our business have had to give up. The cost of travelling to and from a gig has risen to the best part of £100, agents' fees at 15 per ...

... Strife imitates art in Allen show During the summer of this year I had the pleasure of touring with the production The Flanagan and Allen Story, playing Chesney Allen. During the show I had to deliver the following line: When the war ended in 1 945 I was feeling tired and listless and my arthritis was getting worse. Over the last few weeks of the tour I began to experience some pain in my ...

... Eastbourne is picture perfect The Royal Hippodrome Theatre in Eastbourne, where my branch of Equity meets, has a big display of photographs of acts which have played at the theatre. We would like to add more photos. If there are any more performers who have played at the theatre I would be pleased if they could send me a large photo and if they could please sign it: 'To the Royal Hippodrome ...

... Setting off on the road to fame I write in response to Ronald Stein (Letters, May 25, page 7), who described how he nearly ran down both John Gielgud and Ralph Richardson. As a young actor struggling to find my feet in this difficult business, could I request that Mr Stein attempt to run me over at his earliest convenience? It is always hard to find one's feet, but I feel that both actors ...

... RepCon Group could regret indecent haste As one who was present at the Certification Officer for Trade Unions' second Equity hearing, may I clarify the grounds for Dave Eager's further complaint. They were that the abolition of the Executive Committee and the possible passing of its duties away from council to the senior management team (the officers and senior staff) were not discussed either ...