Focus on Bristol

ELECTION 2005 Simon Reade, artistic director of the Bristol Old Vic, gives his verdict on Labour on the eve of the election, and argues for reform of the Arts Council. Dominic Cavendish quizzes.

INTERVIEW: TOM MORRIS The artistic director of the Bristol Old Vic talks to Heather Neill about the £12m refurbishment and renovation of the oldest working theatre in the country, on the eve of its reopening production of John O'Keeffe's Wild Oats.

REGIONAL THEATRE: BIRMINGHAM Jonathan Church, artistic director of the revitalised Birmingham Rep, outlines the theatre's strategy for success to Dominic Cavendish.

REGIONAL THEATRE: LEEDS Ian Brown, artistic director of the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, assesses the highs and lows of 2003 with Dominic Cavendish.