No one should have to pay for the “privilege” of applying for any sort of course. Charging audition fees is such an exploitative disgrace that I can see no reason why it shouldn’t be made illegal.
How do we get the word out – really out – about fringe theatre in general and pub theatres in particular. There’s cutting-edge work going on all the time at, for example, the Finborough or Theatre 503, which is based in The Latchmere in Battersea.
I used to review large numbers of graduating student showcases for The Stage. Then last year an editorial policy decision was made at the Stage not to cover them any more. So I didn’t go to a single one in 2017. Then withdrawal symptoms set in.
So it isn’t press night – because you were at another show then. You arrive at the box office and say politely: “Hello. My name’s Susan Elkin. There should be a press comp for me for this performance. And a programme, I hope, because I’m reviewing it for Magazine X or Y?”
Susan Elkin chats to Justin Cooke, CEO of Digital Theatre. Digital Theatre offers access to films of live theatre, ballet, opera and classical concerts to individual subscribers and educational institutions.
I stand by everything I write in any review and will not make changes just because someone’s feelings may be a bit bruised. In fact I’m not prepared even to discuss it. We’re all grown up. If you invite a critic then criticism is what you’ll get. Accept it with grace.
In a vibrant, growing but overcrowded industry, which is also swamped with good young people desperate to be part of it, the ability to create work independently has never mattered more.
Last Thursday [while much of the UK was still on holiday], I attended the press conference at which Michelle Terry revealed her first season at The Globe. And the dynamics in the room were fascinating.
“It keeps a show fresh if you’re innovative, but it’s no good setting out to be ‘different’ for the sake of it. It’s essential that you remain true to your character and the situation he’s in.”
Children – for the most part, don’t find filth and innuendo funny even if they understand it. Actually, neither do I if it’s there simply because it’s smutty. A joke has to be really clever to work for me and clichéd sex/lavatorial gags rarely are. Filth for its own sake is a turn-off.
