In this week’s issue of The Stage, complete with double-page poster spread of David Tennant as Hamlet at the RSC Courtyard Theatre, there’s something of a venue theme:
Since Dan Crawford founded the King’s Head Theatre in 1970, it has played host to some of the most famous names in theatre, with more than 30 of its productions transferring to the West End. When Crawford died from cancer in 2005, his wife Stephanie Sinclaire took over as creative director. She talks to Nick Smurthwaite about surviving without subsidy
Over the last three years, Liverpool’s Royal Court has established itself as an award-winning venue, with more than 150,000 people passing through its doors. Its chief executive Kevin Fearon talks about his plans to expand as a theatre production company
West Yorkshire Playhouse chief executive Ian Brown talks about the venue’s new recruit, general director Sheena Wrigley, its youth work venture and why public transport makes his job that bit harder
Also this week:
Insight: The BBC Proms is a British tradition, but is constantly developing and mixing classical standards and international music and new events
After seven years at the helm of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Liz Forgan talks about her biggest achievements, difficult decisions and how the handover to her successor will be as smooth as possible
Training: Since its launch 16 years ago, the Deutsche Bank Pyramid Awards have helped students from eight arts institutions with funding and ongoing business mentoring
Susan Elkin looks at the one-year musical theatre course from KSA Performing Arts, which can help its students secure a place at the highly competitive schools such as Mountview and ArtsEd
Paul Vale reviews the top talent graduating from CDS schools across the country at the second annual Spotlight Showcases, which took place before an invited audience of casting agents, directors and producers last month
Broadcasting: After appearing in the original cast of Alan Bennett’s The History Boys, Andrew Knott has been looking to the Bourne films for his role as a young recruit in BBC3’s Spooks: Code 9
Actor Saul Reichlin specialises in narrating audiobooks, a talent that was unearthed by accident but has developed into a successful career. He tells all about the perks and problems of working in this boom industry
Backstage Focus: The thought-provoking Shift Happens in Digital Technology conference, held at York Theatre Royal, provided a fascinating insight into how the arts can maximise the potential of the digital world
With BBC sitcom Dad’s Army celebrating its 40th anniversary, Nick Smurthwaite investigates the show’s enduring cross-generation appeal
And as usual, we have a fine array of columnists:
Maggie Brown on media: Channel 4’s new talent season shows how the hunt for new faces is changing
Arthur Smith on Edinburgh: Arbitrary is the key word: the day you planned is nothing like the you experience
Clive Barnes on the end of the Broadway season
Dear John: “I’ve been in my first successful long-run show, but as the last performance draws near, what should I be doing to make sure I have something new to work on afterwards?” With advice from Femi Oguns and David Habbin
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