Live Shows
Why a Variety Bill Needs a Change of Pace
A variety bill needs a change of pace to help each act register. Learn how to arrange contrasting turns, plan…
The full programme
All stories
Browse writing on rural shows, the venues that hold them and the customs that make an evening out feel shared.
Venues
Hall, Marquee or Green: Choosing a Setting for a Small Show
Choose a hall, marquee or green for a small show by weighing audience comfort, sound, weather, access and the…
Touring
From Travelling Players to Touring Acts: What Changed on the Road
Touring acts changed as transport and performance tools evolved. Trace the practical shift from portable…
Show Customs
The Interval Myth: Why a Pause Is Not Just Dead Time
Understand the purpose of an interval at a live show, from practical audience needs to a clear return cue that brings…
Backstage
A First-Time Host’s Checklist for Show Night
A first-time host’s checklist for show night helps you prepare the entrance, answer practical questions and hand a…
Our point of view
A good show belongs to its place
The room, the audience and the people putting on the event all shape the evening. We look at those details without turning every show into a verdict.