At the exhibition hall at The New Connaught rooms, Covent Garden, there were around 46 exhibitor stands mostly consisting of information on West End shows plus tickets agents and special services and organisations, I was a little disappointed with a lot of the stands. Most of them just handed out leaflets, and on one stand when I asked if the cast on their promotional leaflet was still the one performing, she told me she did not know. Considering this is the arts I thought they could have been a little more inventive.

I went to one of the seminars, "The Role of the Critic". The speakers were Michael Coveney of The Observer, Charles Spencer of The Daily Telegraph, Peter Wilson of PW Productions. It was chaired by Ian Herbert of London Theatre Record. It was a most enjoyable hour listening to them discussing what, if any influence critics have in making or breaking shows. Coveney was the most outspoken, saying that the West End is full of crap and too expensive. He said most of the best plays are at the National and Barbican. Spencer admitted that he gave Kindertransport a better review than it deserved, he thought that if this play failed it would put producers off putting other plays like it on the West End. Coveney says critics are not here to support the theatre, but to report on an event, be it good or bad. Wilson said that the cost of West End theatre would be cut by a third, if all the ticket agents in the West End would stop selling tickets at half price. There was a lot more discussion on many issues which made it all a most entertaining hour.

The best part of Stagefair though was "From Page To Stage" and "Window on the West End", both were held at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

"From Page To Stage" was introduced by Sheridan Morley who spoke to director Rob Bettinson and producer Paul Elliot of Buddy and Jolson. They discussed how both shows came to be and how they have been developing their next venture, the Good Bye Girl which opens at the Albery Theatre next year.

"Window on the West End" was by far the best attraction. Introduced by Sheridan Morley again and lasting just over an hour. There were interviews with father and son Michael and Ray Cooney on the comedy "Cash On Delivery". Anthony Newley about his part as 'Scrooge" in the up coming "Scrooge The Musical". Newley said the show had taken so long to come to the West End because they could not find a theatre big enough. Sheridan also spoke to Mark Rylance the artistic director of The New Globe. He told us the Globe will be a seasonal theatre, open between May and September only. He would not reveal what plays he had planned next year. There was also an interview with the producer of "Swan Lake" which is playing at the Piccadilly Theatre. He told us there is a good chance that the show will be taken to Broadway.

Also part of "Window on the West End" were performances from the company of "Smokey Joe's Cafe" (I don't think I'm going to like this show!!) and "Scrooge The Musical".There were two songs from "Glamourous Night" which is expected in the West End next year. Brian Conley sang a few songs from the hit show Jolson, which went down really well with the audience and there were two songs from "The Goodbye Girl" sang brilliantly by Gary Wilmot. I must say his voice was a sensation, very strong and solid.

All in all a very entertaining day indeed.

(Darren Dalglish)