'It's like two divorcing parents': how actors' union Equity fell out with casting directory Spotlight by Mark Sweney

Union to appeal after losing case against historic talent index in battle that could reshape UK acting landscape For almost a century it has been the casting directors' bible, a shopfront fo…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 8:24am on February 9, 2026☆⚑

West End producer Cameron Mackintosh reports dip in profits by Mark Sweney

Increase in revenues offset by rise in costs at musical theatre company, which runs eight venues in London Business live " latest updates The producer of hit West End shows including Hamilto…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 4:24am on January 3, 2025☆⚑

From must-see gigs to VIP tickets: how live events are on course to defy UK cost of living crisis by Mark Sweney

Strong year predicted for industry amid premium seating boom and despite rise in prices Soaring demand for must-go-to festivals and gigs, star-studded West End theatre shows and VIP tickets …

SOURCE: The Guardian at 3:00am on January 2, 2023☆⚑

England's biggest theatres make mask-wearing mandatory by Mark Sweney

The National, the Royal Opera House and Andrew Lloyd Webber's sites follow RSC in response to Omicron Martin Sorrell: ad clients are cancelling Christmas parties Coronavirus " latest update…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 7:42am on December 2, 2021☆⚑

West End theatres bank on staging a revival with big-budget productions by Mark Sweney

As venues try to bounce back, will Covid's impact on schedules mean the end of the midweek matinee? Britain's biggest theatre owners are banking on new big-budget productions including Andre…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 1:32am on September 13, 2021☆⚑

Amazon to stream major National Theatre plays in UK and Ireland by Mark Sweney

Cumberbatch and McKellen among big names to appears in live-recorded stage shows to feature on Prime Amazon has partnered with the National Theatre to stream four high-profile live-recorded …

SOURCE: The Guardian at 10:36am on May 25, 2021☆⚑

Majority of UK theatres and music venues 'face permanent shutdown' by Mark Sweney

MPs told future is grim unless government steps in with more support after Covid-19 crisis Coronavirus " latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Half of all music venues and 70% of…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 1:42pm on June 9, 2020☆⚑

Big-budget films receive increase in tax relief to almost £600m by Mark Sweney

The Treasury paid out £750m last year to encourage creative industries that pass 'cultural test' to qualify as BritishThe government paid out almost £600m in tax relief last year to th…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 2:06pm on July 20, 2017☆⚑

Life on Mars creator developing TV drama series with a Motown beat by Mark Sweney

Tony Jordan secures rights to 40 EMI songs for 10-part series Stop! In the Name of Love, partly inspired by 'jukebox musicals'The co-creator of Life on Mars is developing a TV drama series, …

SOURCE: The Guardian at 6:26am on January 13, 2014☆⚑

EBay to launch online secondary ticketing site StubHub in the UK by Mark Sweney

StubHub, which connects buyers and sellers, will take on Seatwave and Viagogo " the subject of a C4 documentaryEBay is set to shake-up the controversial secondary ticketing market with the o…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 4:00am on March 16, 2012☆⚑

Jonny Lee Miller takes on Frankenstein co-star in US Sherlock Holmes update by Mark Sweney

Actor who alternated roles on stage with Benedict Cumberbatch will play version of same Conan Doyle character in ElementaryLast year Jonny Lee Miller and Benedict Cumberbatch shared a presti…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 2:35pm on February 15, 2012☆⚑

Frankie Boyle's Katie Price joke was signed off by Channel 4 chief by Mark Sweney

MPs grill David Abraham over why he failed to apologise after Ofcom ruled jibe about star's disabled son was 'highly offensive'The Channel 4 chief executive, David Abraham, has admitted that…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 11:35am on June 14, 2011☆⚑