... 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. ...

... for grabs Criterion joins list of theatres for sale as Sogo puts lease hold on market. Page 2 Trading places BECTU considers move from Wardour Street offices in bid to solve cash problem. Page 3 They'll drink to that Jeffrey Bernard is on televi sion as BBC2 buys rights to film of hit show. Page 3 Better safe than sorry Artists warned to check contract detail after young dancers' Greek hell. ...

... as artistic director of Lyric, Hammer smith after illness. Page 2 Dramatic mainstay ITV planners make drama the focus for ratings battle with BBC. Page 3 Back British VLV warns programme makers not to gear shows to foreign markets. Page 3 Stand-ups silenced Council defends ten-year blanket ban on Davidson and 'Chubby' Brown. Page 4 Qo west Edinburgh's Stand Comedy Club on the move to premises ...

... Tim Supple announces decision to quit venue. Page 2 Keep them in place Don't scrap Corporation reforms says BBC's Birt in appeal to successor. Page 3 Marketing malaise Producer Guttendge accuses broadcasters of selling indies short on publicity. Page 3 Battle lines SAC at odds with Tron over producing status as director Brown departs. Page 4 Note-worthy MU trumpets victory in battle over live ...

... up the good work Brodie Middleton to carry on as theatrical business, say new owners. Page 2 Under threat SMG could face millennium strike action as BECTU presses for better deal. Page 3 Cross country Equity in call for more BBC NI dramas to be filmed north of the border. Page 3 High note ACE reveals multi-million relief package for regional orchestras. Page 4 White's light Snow White in ...

... back How a Victorian tragedy changed the way we look at theatre safety Backstage, page 31 Higher learning Ken Robinson shares his blueprint for better arts education in Britain See page 8 Top of the flops The lessons that can be learnt from the musical shows of the fifties Broadcasting, page 25 CONTENTS News 2 Leader 8 Letters 9 Show People 10 Heydays 11 Broadcasting 25 Bands Jau 26 Backstage ...

... 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 ...

... square up Lloyd Webber among final two in battle for Stoll Moss West End empire. Page 2 No laughing matter Comedy clubs are facing Millennium Eve disaster as audiences stay away. Page 3 A right Royle haul Granada Television takes lion's share at annual British Comedy Awards. Page 3 Breaking down barriers Brothers and Sisters producer plans new black drama for Channel 4. Page 3 Stapleton moves ...

... 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 ...

... Notre-Dame soundscore deal creates pre-performance and interval work. Page 2 Bulldog spirit Spielberg television war epic leaves sole British actor fighting on beaches. Page 3 Arts go digital Isaacs launches first British digital channel dedicated solely to arts coverage. Page 3 Exile on Fame Street Edinburgh Festival Fringe director says rent rises will price venues out of market. Page 4 Age ...

... the money Globe doubles Sunday perfor mances to raise funds after Lottery failure. Page 2 Seeking skills BBC entertainment chief Paul Jackson favourite for talent liaison job. Page 3 Avoiding the rap Channel 4 gay drama Queer As Folk escapes ITC censure despite 163 complaints. Page 3 Moving on Welsh artistic exodus feared as ACW confirms bias towards two super-companies. Page 4 Where were they ...

... The Lion King gives black performers a rare chance to shine in the West Find Leader feature, page 6 Cops on the box A working guide to writing the perfect script for TV's top police dramas See page 22 Walk the Plank All aboard lor Britain's only shipboard touring theatre company Backstage, page 27 ^^^p^BuwmnwiW-- ___? News 2 Backstage 26 Leader 6 Suppliers 28 Letters 7 Obituaries 29 Show ...