Category: theatre

“Belfast’s Grand Opera House is to review an access scheme for disabled customers, following evidence that it is being abused by people pretending to have disabilities.”

“Mark Shenton, former theatre critic of the Sunday Express, has lost his employment tribunal against the paper for unfair dismissal and sexual discrimination.” The panel ruled that Shenton was, under UK employment law, a freelancer rather than an employee.

“BECTU has been in talks with the Society of London Theatre since July over pay, and wants a deal that includes London living wage – £8.80 – as a minimum for workers on three pay grades that are below that rate, with a 6% rise for all of its other members.” The theatres’ latest offer, a 1.8% raise, was rejected by 97.8% of voters.

“What’s distinguishes the Siminovitch Prize from other honours is that it is not just a reward for an individual play or production, but an investment in an artist at a time in mid-career when they often hit financial hurdles.”

“We have so many students who are active in the arts and are trying to figure out how to make that a core part of their experience, and this does that.”

“The awards recognize the achievements of regional theater, while the annual Olivier Awards focus on the London stage.”

“The appeal found that the original tribunal had failed to consider whether or not the actors were in fact self-employed professionals, rather than workers, and therefore not entitled to the minimum wage.”

“The next step must be not just applauding intentions, but making a real attempt to evaluate how such work can benefit the participants, and finding ways it can gain greater prominence.”

Simon Stephens, who worked from a literal translation by a professor: “It seems especially odd to suggest that a play text, out of any literary form, should be carved out of an attempt to accurately translate the original language of an author writing a century ago. … The nature of translation means that to think otherwise is folly. The nature of theatre means that to aspire to do so is slightly perverse.”

John Bell, 75, who established Bell Shakespeare in 1990, will step down at the end of 2015.