Exeter Northcott Theatre faces the threat of closure after losing its £ 500 , 000 Arts Council England grant . For more information visit www . thestage . co . uk / news

g e r W d n E t s e W E E K O F T H E J O B

Jeremy Austin examines the growth in popularity of comedy over the past decade , as some comedians swap pubs and clubs for venues , and considers the financial of mounting such events When , in October , Lee Evans , one of most successful comedy exports , announced he was going

With many actors and entertainers turning their hands to writing books , Susan Elkin considers the theatrical and narrative skills they can bring to the profession Why do so many actors and entertainment industry people reinvent themselves as writers for children ? Michelle Mago

cast list , production credits , press night and press contact – to thestage . co . uk at least three weeks before night ABERDEEN His ( 01224 641122 ) Aladdin ALDERSHOT Princes Hall ( 01252 329155 ) The Wizard of Oz ALNWICK Playhouse ( 01665 510785 ) Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Comp

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