Bogged Down by First Night Timetables???

A détente of sorts seems to have been reached in the “battle” over proposed first night changes (See The Goss, 10 Nov 2004). The imminent opening of By the Bog of Cats, starring Hollywood’s Holly Hunter, was meant to be the first production in which, instead of taking part in a traditional first night, critics attended a normal performance alongside normal theatregoers. As part of the normal schedule, this would mean a later start time of 7.30pm rather than the early 7.00pm for press nights. However, invitations re-issued today for the 1 December press performance of By the Bog of Cats note that the start time has been brought back to the earlier standard (allowing overnight newspaper critics to file copy in time) “after consultation with the chair of the Critics’ Circle”, the Guardian’s Michael Billington. That said, all is not completely back to normal. Rather than the normal glitz associated with a high-profile opening of this nature, critics will be watching alongside members of the paying public. Investors, friends and other celebrities will attend later in the run.

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