With a diverse series of projects lined up until the new year, in this week’s issue of The Stage Ben Daniels tells Mark Shenton that being an openly gay actor has not held him back and he is excited to be working with Michael Grandage at the Donmar Warehouse again:
There is a problem with homophobia in Hollywood. There is at the BBC, too. It’s come up sometimes for some jobs with me, but thankfully someone in the room will say that’s ridiculous. I’ve been around for long enough now that people know I can do it.
…I would never advise anyone to stay in the closet to further their careers — I’m sure it leads to big fat gay ulcers. There are actors I know who won’t come out, and I can see it crippling them as human beings.
As the BBC prepares to air The Hour, its new 1950s period drama series set within the blossoming world of television current affairs, Maggie Brown talks to writer Abi Morgan about the series, and how she feels that she’s moving more to film and TV and away from writing.
A vital part of the industry that operates under a number of different guises, community theatre helps spread the art form beyond the four walls of venues. Susan Elkin meets some of the practitioners.
Also this week:
As new ways of funding the arts are explored, Simon Tait explains the concept and impact of venture philanthropy and the financial advantages of such an approach
As new artistic directors are announced at some of the country’s most high profile venues, Mark Shenton looks at the role’s significance at a time of difficulty for the theatre world
Dear John: How can I make sure my show gets the publicity it deserves?
Training: Susan Elkin chats to the National Theatre’s artistic director Katie Mitchell about how training in Eastern Europe has influenced her techniques as a director and the impact motherhood has on her choice of professional projects
We visit two very different exhibitions celebrating women in entertainment
Renowned lighting design Richard Pilbrow on his new book, A Theatre Project
Backstage Focus assesses a number of new courses aiming to improving backstage training and skills
Nick Smurthwaite pays tribute to Terry-Thomas in the centenary year of his birth
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