Rescue bid for Calder Bookshop

Meanwhile the possible sale of the shop and its tiny theatre in The Cut has attracted interest from West End bookshops in advance of advertisements due to appear in The Bookseller later this week.

"Despite the apparent threat of a sharp increase in rent the bookshop remains a viable business enterprise" says Peter Marinker. "It combines new and second-hand books with a continuous programme of readings, performances and workshops at evenings and weekends."

He says that he is encouraged by the massive support of customers and local businesses. The company's actors and friends are keeping the bookshop open during March.

Meanwhile the Godot Company is staging a three-week programme of Samuel Beckett's shorter works commencing on Tuesday 13 March.