Alistair Smith is Editor of The Stage, trade newspaper for the performing arts. In this in-depth interview, he discusses the challenges of moving the world’s oldest theatre publication (founded in 1880) to digital, and embracing the commerical/editorial opportunity; offers an in-depth analysis of the global theatre trade, the ‘less glamorous’ side of show business, and the rapid rise in ticket prices; argues their world is controlled by closed networks and ‘who-you-know,’ how the Stage Debut Awards have created opportunities for new talent, and aspiring performers who don’t have the networks to break through; and reveals his all-time favourite productions - including some current hidden gems.