Gillian on BBC Four
Posted at 8:39 PM (PDT) on Sunday, August 29, 2004

BBC FOUR - Autumn highlights 2004
Theatre Biz

Dame Judi Dench, Gillian Anderson, Rupert Graves, Adrian Lester and Prunella Scales are among the stars featured in this entertaining look at the world of commercial theatre.

The Theatre Royal Haymarket is one of London's most prestigious theatres, but without any public subsidy it must pay its own way in an increasingly competitive world.

With success or failure often hinging on how well the first night goes, Theatre Biz looks at two in detail – a glittering West End opening at the Haymarket and a Broadway opening starring Whoopi Goldberg.

Behind the razzmatazz, those working in the theatre business find first nights a uniquely stressful event.

Of the 1,200 shows that run each year on the Edinburgh Fringe, perhaps three will be picked for a West End run.

In the second programme, Theatre Biz follows one such production from page to stage.

The third programme follows two drama school graduates who are hoping to get their first break in an industry where only six per cent of actors work all year.

An FFP production.

This show will air on Sunday, September 12, at 9:00 p.m. on BBC Four.