ELIJAH Moshinsky's production of La Boheme, with beautiful designs by Michael Yeargan that resemble a set of accomplished book illustrations, has become a Scottish institution. It is now in its fifth year and has seen a series of casts, including a few real stars. When we first saw it we were struck by what seemed perceptive novelties. The framing of Act One in a narrow rectangle made us think of a TV screen; the convertible set that permitted the transfer of the bohemians to the interior of the Cafe Momus, rather than its forecourt, reminded us that the first two acts take place on Christmas Eve when Paris is usually cold.

MOST NOVELISTS would like to be required reading. Helen Garner, on the other hand, was 'rather shocked' when Monkey Grip featured on school reading lists in her native Australia. 'As I become older and more prim and puritanical, I think 'God - all that sex and drugs, and they let them read that stuff at school'.' It was this novel which somersaulted Garner into the Australian literary scene, winning her the National Book Council Award and cult status.