... 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 ...

... Leicester Comedy Festival stakes its place among the international big boys See page S Dress to impress How to run a busy wardrobe department like the professionals do Amateurs, page 30 The spice of life Fullest coverage yet of The Stage's Showcall Showcase IJ event See pages 25-28 News 2 Amateurs 30 Leader 8 Obituaries 31 Letters 9 Suppliers 33 Show People 10 Classified 34 Heydays 11 ...

... 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 ...

... home English National Opera will stay at Coliseum to complete £25 million refit. Page 2 Crunch talks Scottish Media Group and BECTU meet as strike looms over Ginger deal. Page 3 Not child's play Producer's anger as children's show dropped despite ITV assurances. Page 3 Cutting back Stoke poised to drastically reduce grant provision to New Victoria. Page 4 No problems here Lowry Centre denies ...

... 6 Ahead in his Field Fifty years after his death, Sid Field's comic influence is as inspiring as ever Heydays, page 9 Talking proper Rather than dumbing down. regional accents on our screens celebrate diversity See page 22 Betting on quality Gambling haven Las Vegas is also a mecca for top entertainment See page 23 News 2 Leader 6 Letters 7 ShowPeople 8 Heydays 9 Broadcasting 22 Backstage 23 ...

... rocky Mechanical Copyright Protection Society future under threat after EMI merger. Page 2 In good form Screen actors' representation boosted by formation of new Equity committee. Page 3 Red tape war Dyke promises BBC more money for programmes, less for bureaucracy. Page 3 It's no Joke TV dreams make inexperienced comedians easier to exploit, warns Jo Brand. Page 3 Next stage Ambassador ...

... 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 ...

... Review demanded as report brands Scottish Arts Council 'no longer practical. Page 2 Commercial break BBC radio increases lead on rivals as R4 forges ahead in London. Page 3 On-line out of line Writers' Guild wins £20,000 victory for playwrights' radio work used on Web. Page 3 Writing's on the wall New English writing will be halved with Arts Council of Wales decision. Page 4 Keeping his hand ...