... the Record Publisher and critic of the critics Ian Herbert comes under the spotlight See page 11 Straight faces. Why TV punditry is spreading the talents of our stand-ups too thinly Broadside, page 28 Fond farewell On the eve of its final concert, the magic of the Ted Heath Band is saluted See page 12 News 2 Leader 8 Letters 9 Show People 10 Profile 11 Heydays 12 Obituaries 13 Broadcasting 28 ...

... page 6 Star search Can BBC Talent find the stars of tomorrow, or is it all a marketing stunt? See page 16 Join the club Play a round at (he golf course which has attracted a celebrity membership Backstage, page 30 Give us a Whirl John Moore on Scotland's threatened theatre summer show, the Gaiety Whirl Heydays, page 8 News 2 Obituaries 32 Leader 6 Suppliers 33 Letters 7 Classified 34 Heydays 8 ...

... on market. Page 2 Expectations dashed Hard times for Dickens musical as Theatre Royal refuses extension to run. Page 2 Rebirth of kids' stuff Children's programmes to return to Radio 4 announces new controller Boaden. Page 3 Agency fees inquiry DTI to start public consultation on up-front agency joining fees. Law due early 2001. Page 3 Final fury over comic Avalon under fire over showcased ...

... 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 ...

... cultures Jatinder Verma, co-founder of Anglo- Asian theatre group Tara Arts, explains his vision Profile, page 11 Crowning glory Hotpot queen of the Street Betty Driver raises a glass to 3 1 years of soap stardom See page 32 Vote casting call Victor Platl feels the vote for Equity general secretary should give members a voice Leader, page 8 New; 2 Leader 8 letters 9 Show People 10 Profile 11 ...

... Next stage for Ricky Latin heart-throb Ricky Martin to return to musical theatre when pop career wanes. Page 2 New season highlights Nine new drama series and two new sitcoms to head the BBC winter schedule. Page 3 On the same wavelength Radio agreement puts Celtic lan guage writers' fees on par with English counterparts. Page 3 Towngate verdict Hetherington Seelig chosen by council to run ...

... because theatre is elitist and middle class. Page 2 Paper pushes mergers Communications White Paper to push ITV closer to consoli dation. Page 3 The Fast go? Paul Whitehouse alter ego Ron Manager in rumoured £1 million transfer to Sky, isn't it? Page 3 SFX drops out of race SFX quits bidding war for Towngate Theatre, Basildon management contract. Page 4 Moir exit a puzzle Departure of ...

... 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 ...

... The Royal Court Young Writers Festival unveils new talent with a conscience See page 6 Good-time gal Stephen Bourne recalls how pianist Mrs Mills became the most unlikely of stars See page 10 Worth the wait Our venues report looks at the stunning restoration of the Gaiety in Douglas Backstage Special, page 29 News 2 Leader 6 Letters 7 SnowPeople 8 Profile 9 Heydays 10 Obituaries 11 ...

... On the eve of the Equity presidential election, veteran Victor Platt has his say Seepages Dafter Baftas Why can't our television awards reflect the choice of the viewing public? Broadcasting, page 24 True champion Producer Charles Vance on his four decades love affair with the theatre See page 25 ._^_F9H!fflHW9^_^fl News 2 Leader 8 letters 9 Show People 10 Heydovs 11 Broadcasting 24 Rarkctad* ...

... 11 100 years of plenty Nick Smurthwaite talks to Richard Eyre about Changing Stages Broadcasting, page 30 Contentious issue Battle lines are drawn as the latest row over elitism in the arts unfolds See page 8 Avon a ball We preview the line-up of this year's Showcall Showcase in Stratford See page 25 News 2 Leader 8 Letters 9 Show People 10 Profile 11 Heydays 12 Obituaries 13 Showcall 23 ...

... picture Our Overseas Special focuses on Zimbabwe, Eire and the Mediterranean See pages 26-28 Fantasy situation Reality is less important than glamour in the casting of many female TV roles Broadside, page 25 Fin-tastic How a carnival is being used to help restore civic pride to a seaside town See page 30 News 2 Amateur? 30 Leader 8 Obituaries 32 Letters 9 Suppliers 33 Show People 10 Classified ...