The Week in Light & Sound
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Oliviers Oversight - Organisers of Sunday's Olivier Awards have apologised for omitting director Sir Peter Hall from a tribute segment shown during the ceremony. "We are hugely sorry for the oversight of leaving Sir Peter Hall out of our In Memoriam," said the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) in a statement. The founder of the Royal Shakespeare Company and former National Theatre director died in September, aged 86.
The failure to mark his death prompted dismay and disbelief on social media. Olivier-winning choreographer Sir Matthew Bourne said the omission was "unforgivable", while actor Christopher Biggins called it "disgraceful". The In Memoriam segment came midway through the ceremony, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London and subsequently broadcast on ITV.
In a statement on Monday, SOLT described Sir Peter as "a wonderful and inspiring figure within the UK theatre industry" who was "sorely missed". The society added that it had arranged for theatre lights in London's West End to be dimmed when he passed away last year.
Hip Hop Heroes - Hip hop musical Hamilton took home seven trophies at the Olivier Awards in London, falling just short of a new record. The main awards claimed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and his cast were best new musical, best actor, best supporting actor and outstanding achievement in music.
The seven wins did not beat Harry Potter And The Cursed Child's record haul of nine trophies last year, but was on par with the most awarded musical to date - Matilda. The show, which turns an early chapter of US history into modern hip hop, opened in London in December.
Gone Again - Fleetwood Mac have announced that Lindsey Buckingham has left the group for a second time. In a statement, the band said the singer and guitarist would not be joining them on their next tour. It said: "Lindsey Buckingham will not be performing with the band on this tour. The band wishes Lindsey all the best." He will be replaced by former Crowded House singer Neil Finn and Tom Petty's guitarist, Mike Campbell.
Rose Bruford Petition - More than 1,300 people have signed a petition to “save Rose Bruford College” after it was revealed staff are facing redundancy as part of cost-cutting measures. The drama school in Sidcup is currently considering proposals to restructure its staff and the delivery of its curriculum. Principal Clarie Middleton said the drama school needed to become more cost-effective after reporting a £500,000 deficit last year and losing £800,000 a year in specialist institution funding from the government.
While the restructuring proposals are undergoing a consultation period with staff, and no changes have yet been confirmed, current students and graduates have voiced concerns that the proposals “will undo the hard work, progress and achievements of [the college over] the past 65 years”.
The online petition was started by graduate Heather Winstanley and is addressed to Rose Bruford’s principal and board of governors. It states: “Years of impeccable and inspirational teaching have led to the current position where Rose Bruford is recognised as one of the leading conservatoires in the world, producing some of the finest talent across all aspects of the creative industries. Removing the core providers of this training will surely be the death of that status. Some staff members have given their passion, dedication and expertise to the training of students for more than 15 years and are faced with being turfed out.”
Country Roads - An awards ceremony celebrating rural touring work is to return for second year, with three new categories. The Rural Touring Awards were held for the first time last year, organised by membership body the National Rural Touring Forum, celebrating performers and venues to volunteers at village halls.
Nominations are now open across six categories including three new awards. They are for a music performance, a young person and for a touring scheme collaboration, recognising partnerships. The awards will also celebrate a stage performance, a voluntary promoter or promoting group and give the NRTF special award, which recognises an individual or group who has made an outstanding contribution to rural touring. Anyone working in rural touring is able to nominate, with a shortlist being drawn up later this month.
(Jim Evans)
10 April 2018
