January 31: Stage school franchises, Ashes to Ashes and the Stage party

In this week’s all-partied-out issue of The Stage:

• West End stars, theatre professionals and The Stage staff mingled at the newspaper’s annual party at the Theatre Royal Drury lane last week. View a selection of photos in the paper, or if you’re on Facebook you can view a more extensive album at http://www.thestage.co.uk/facebook.

• Stage School Franchises special: A stage school franchise develops when a trusted name transofrms itself into a brand, with a school hitting on teaching methods that can be replicated at all sites in other centres. Susan Elkin explores the phenomenon and asks leaders in the field about the secrets of their success

• Tips from the top: The stars of theatre, film, TV and light entertainment share their favourites pieces of advice, from practical suggestions to confidence boosters

• Life on Mars creator Ashley Pharoah talks to Matthew Hemley about the forthcoming sequel, Ashes to Ashes, and why researching the eighties was such a poingnant experience. Plus, the series producer Beth Willis on the challenges facing her in this, her first producing role

• Michael Quinn looks at the rise of Christian theme park in America, and asks if there is a market for such a venue in Britain.

• Education correspondent Susan Elkin arges that pupils are being forced to choose early on between performing arts or academic study

• Backstage Focus: Kevin Berry meets Scottish Dance Theatre’s technical manager, Emma Jones

• Media expert Maggie Brown on new Culture secretary Andy Burnham, and the delights of ITV1’s new show Moving Wallpaper

• Dillie Keane on the 25th anniversary of Fascinating Aida

• Douglas McPherson discovers that comic Duncan Norvelle’s catchphrase is still going strong and that he has added singing to his skills

• Dear John: “I’m redesigning my promotional material for 2008 and I am prepared to invest in getting it right — but how can I get the best result for my money?”

Plus all the usual news, reviews, national UK theatre listings and recruitment ads.

The Stage is available from major newsagents, including most High Street branches of WH Smith, every Thursday priced £1.30. You can also subscribe and receive a copy by mail every week: more details and prices at http://www.thestage.co.uk/subscribe/.