Following Creative Scotland’s pledge to double arts funding, the Labour government needs to catch up if it wants to retain its reputation as champion of the arts

The Labour government has voiced a commitment to growing the creative industries but, so far, its actions don’t reflect its rhetoric, writes Alistair Smith

Alistair Smith discusses The Stage's values, which were highlighted at The Stage Awards 2025

The theatre equivalent would be a national festival, hosted and supported by large venues, showcasing work from small and independent companies, says Alistair Smith

This week’s announcement that Bristol Old Vic Theatre School will scrap its undergraduate courses is both shocking and, sadly, unsurprising, says Alistair Smith

After 20 years at The Stage, and two decades after theatre’s funding taps were turned off, editor Alistair Smith embarked on a tour from the tip to the toe of the United Kingdom, taking in productions...