The Lighting plot for my shows usually begins - Cue 1 'As the actor steps on stage - lights to full.' More than one critic has described a Victorian Actor Manager making his entrance and writing 'the stage appeared to light up.' This was in fact true. The lighting technician had strict instructions to make sure it did! This sort of skulduggery aside, that is what the theatre is about - a real person, not on a screen or digitally re-created, but in the flesh, engaging with the audience.

The theatre has changed irrevocably in my lifetime. Many repertory theatres in England where young actors honed their skills have closed, and drama schools train their students to earn money on 'the box.' The television camera, alas, with its close ups and technical chicanery makes acting look so easy. So much so that producers are now dispensing even with writers, and relying on 'reality' shows.

I was incredibly lucky to grow up when the theatre was not stultifyingly naturalistic and welcomed the heroic. Actors like Sir Laurence Olivier stormed their way into the public's affection. Is it a matter of 'We shall not look upon their like again?' Not at all ; I have seen actors recently who have charged into battle with all the fervour of the knights of old. The only thing which will kill the actor is if he is denied an audience. So, it's up to you really. As someone said - 'On your imaginary forces work.'

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