Wi l l Wasp e
Vanessa Redgrave's candidacy on behalf of the Workers Revolutionary Party is no surprise to Waspe who, by happy chance, was having a lunchtime fortifier the other day in a pub where Miss Redgrave was addressing a small company of players.
The valiant Vanessa, at whose behest it. seemed all had forgathered, had what I took to be a plan to bring down the Government. The militant action she had in mind was generally somewhat vague, except for one specific practical measure which was the occupation of theatres. When one of the group respectfully questioned her view that the theatre was in any way threatened by Tory policies, she alluded darkly to the sinister closure of The Black and White Minstrel Show.
Miss Redgrave's fellow thespians seemed less than impressed by this as a suitable focal point for a call to arms. Waspe, on the other hand, was deeply impressed by their restraint and civility.
Mistimed
The Bolshoi Ballet is rightly renowned and admired. This outstanding company's rare visits to 'London have been welcomed. Nevertheless, in view of the high feeling running among balletomanes — as in the civilised world generally — over the Soviet treatment of the Panovs. I can scarce believe the rumours that Lord Harewood has invited the Bolshoi to the Coliseum this summer.
Opera moving in
The English Stage Company having decided against extending their operations to the Old Vic when the National Theatre moves out next year, speculation is again rife over 'the next occupants of the Wat'rloo Road theatre. Waspe hears that the likeliest eventuality is that it will become the home of Colin Graham's new opera company — news that will be dispiriting to provincial operalovers who had understood the Graham outfit's principal objective to be an extension of regionalisation in opera.
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