Features

Oh come all ye faithful: At the start of the performance, Chester the donkey carries 'Mary' to the site of the play

Away in a manger: How one Surrey man turned a Nativity in his barn into an annual pilgrimage

From humble beginnings, a Nativity play in stockbroker-belt Surrey has grown over two decades into an extravaganza seen by thousands. And all thanks to one man and his draughty outbuilding

Inside Features

Keeping his head: Actor Greg Hicks readies himself for his performance

Backstage secrets: Performers reveal how they ready themselves for the spotlight

Saturday, 18 December 2010

Headstands, wrestling, cups of tea... Five professional performers reveal the backstage rituals they swear by.

Embracing the Christmas spirit: Damon Albarn has recorded a new album entirely on his iPad, which Gorillaz fanclub members will be able to download for free on Christmas morning

The Diary: Fidos; Johnny Flynn; Dulwich Picture Gallery; Gorillaz; The X Factor

Friday, 17 December 2010

Gatiss says: 'I am obsessed with a song called 'Being a Dickhead's Cool' by The Grand Spectacular'

Cultural Life: Mark Gatiss, actor

Friday, 17 December 2010

Theatre: 'Legally Blonde' is an amazing show. Slightly forgettable movies can sometimes make great musicals. The same thing happened with 'Hairspray', which is an ordinary film but a brilliant musical. 'Legally Blonde' has the perfect plot and Sheridan Smith is exceptional.

First position: Natalie Portman in 'Black Swan'

Black Swan: Caught in the dance

Wednesday, 15 December 2010

Black Swan shows ballerinas as obsessive, mysterious creatures. We do the artform a disservice with this much-peddled myth, says ex-dancer Alice-Azania Jarvis

Sergei Polunin, the Wolf, and dancers from White Lodge in rehearsal at the Royal Opera House

Peter and the wolf cubs

Tuesday, 14 December 2010

For the Royal Ballet's latest production, the oldest dancer on stage – by several years – is just 20. Rob Sharp reports

Shostakovich's Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk

Theatrical battle takes centre stage in Moscow

Tuesday, 14 December 2010

The future of an historic opera house has divided Moscow, reports Shaun Walker

A new golden age for theatre? 'Oh Yes It Is' says Panto Panter

Sunday, 12 December 2010

Even in the tough times, people still want to hear a story, says the Ambassador Theatre Group boss

Outsize talent: Minchin says he wants to add acting, writing straight plays and recording non-funny songs to his resumé

Anarchy in the UK: Aussie comic Tim Minchin is fomenting childish revolt after getting his hands on Roald Dahl

Sunday, 12 December 2010

His musical of Roald Dahl's 'Matilda' for the RSC opens one night, his UK arena comedy stand-up tour the next. Is it any wonder Tim Minchin is going ape?

Reinvention: Pantoland's streets are paved with gold

Sunday, 12 December 2010

Kate Youde: When times are hard, we're more determined than ever to have a laugh.

ENB corps in rehearsal

New Nutracker: A Christmas cracker

Wednesday, 8 December 2010

On Friday night the English National Ballet unveils a new Nutcracker, its 10th production of the seasonal classic in 60 years. Alice Jones drops in on rehearsals to discover the secret of its enduring appeal

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