Which shows make big-screen winners? By Matt Wolf

Two hit stage shows are preparing to migrate to film and speculation grows over which movie stars, such as the ubiquitous Meryl Streep, will be given the juicy main roles

Why shouldn't critics write plays too? by Michael Billington

Nicholas de Jongh is following in the footsteps of critic-playwrights such as Bernard Shaw. Good for him: more of us should practise what we preach

Could R Kelly be the saviour of musical theatre? by Jeremy McCarter

The libidinous R&B star - plus feted comedy act The Flight of the Conchords - could be a shot in the arm for the ailing genre.

Feted in New York, trashed in London by Matt Wolf

Why do so many award-winning American plays perform badly on this side of the pond?

There's more to theatre than Broadway by George Hunka

Downtown in New York, it's business as usual - strike or no strike

The standing ovation is a filthy American habit by Michael Billington

Where once British audiences were content to applaud, they now increasingly rise to their feet. Why?

Hair: a growing revival in New York's Central Park by Matt Wolf

While previous productions of this age of Aquarius musical haven't hit the right note, the latest by the Public Theater in New York finds more favourable times

The West End doesn't feel well by Matt Wolf

Celebrity casting attacked (again) by Michael Billington

He says his Hamlet and Chekhov didn't get a transfer because of an obsession with celebrity, but Jonathan Miller would do better to look at his own reputation for whingeing

How I learned to stop worrying and love Broadway by Theresa Rebeck

After years of fringe productions, one of my plays is finally being staged on the Great White Way. It's like moving from a studio to a penthouse ...

What is diversity in the arts? by Mark Ravenhill

'There's no diversity problem in the arts,' my friend said. 'As long as you're middle class'

Theatre is a matter of life and death by Lyn Gardner

My mother's love for theatre prompted me to become a critic. Now theatre must help me come to terms with her death

Why are UK ovations on the rise? by Matt Wolf

More British audiences are getting in on a time-honoured American routine and rising to their feet during the curtain call. Does this suggest a newly emotional public?

Is theatre going down the YouTube? by Andrew Haydon

There are all sorts of clips from plays and musicals online, but the internet is a help not a hindrance to the stage. Isn't it?

Long play's journey into night by Matt Wolf

Epic shows like Gone With the Wind offer good value for money, but run the risk of exhausting audiences

Jude Law as Hamlet makes my heart sink by Andrew Dickson

As an actor Law is, at best, mediocre. Can he really cut it as the great Dane or is something rotten in the state of Donmar?

Stepping out on Broadway in 2008 by Matt Wolf

After several days in New York, I'm heading back to London. Luckily there are plenty of reasons to return to the Great White Way this year

Can Tennant's Hamlet justify the hype? by John M Morrison

Will theatregoers find it possible to forget all about Doctor Who and believe in Tennant as the Prince of Denmark?

Can theatre critics change their minds? by Matt Wolf

The answer to Arts Council cuts? Cut the Arts Council by Michael Billington

Ossified, demoralised, opaque: the Arts Council should go. Hopefully successful theatres like the Orange Tree would no longer be penalised

Theatre will be with us for ever by Mark Ravenhill

TV will die in a decade. Cinema will last a little longer. But those of us in the theatre believe live performance is going to be around for as long as humanity

Flying the flag for American theatre by George Hunka

Neil LaBute thinks British playwrights have the edge when it comes to tackling political issues. Maybe he's watching the wrong American plays

Hollywood goes to Broadway by Graeme Allister

The success of the musicals Hairspray and Legally Blonde means more movies are heading for the stage. But will the magic work?

The stagehands' strike is a disaster for Broadway by Matt Wolf

Losing your shirt on The Lord of the Rings by Matt Wolf

The weird world of musicals by Matt Wolf

From pointillist painters to roller discos and Shakespeare in the Wild West, the best shows often spring from the most bizarre scenarios.

We need concrete proposals for renovating the West End by Michael Billington

Lord Lloyd Webber's speech to the Lords identified the problems in the West End but failed to offer solutions

The RSC should celebrate its new star by Matt Wolf

When an actor explodes into stardom the way Jonathan Slinger has, it seems churlish not to allow his audience to thank him properly

Boo hiss to goody two-shoes panto stars by Matt Wolf

Panto needs a little mischief and its celebrity guests should have plenty of it ...

Will Stewart's Macbeth bewitch Broadway? by Matt Wolf

Seeing Lear in black and white by Carole Woddis

James Earl Jones played Shakespeare's tragic king back in the 70s. Surely it's high time the role was offered to a black British actor