Arts Diary: Will Marriott

The Polly Stenham play has been a major London hit, currently playing in New York, and Richard Wilson, aka Victor Meldrew, was directing the first regional version of the play at Sheffield Studio.

Whether it was the star attraction of Wilson behind the stage or Frances Barber on it, there were plenty of famous faces in the audience.

Kathy Burke was there to support friend Barber, along with Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tooley in Coronation Street. Antony Sher, knight of the realm, was there, along with Greg Doran, the director of David Tennant's Hamlet. Wonder if the young cast was intimidated by such a star-studded audience?

A student who embarked on her metalwork degree after designing an engagement ring for her partner, who later broke off the relationship, has found some lasting success at a prestigious London show.

Michelle Clare, from Sheffield Hallam University, has won the New Designers Goldsmiths' Company Silversmithing Award, with judges considering her work

a well thought out piece, demonstrating excellence in craftsmanship and design.

Michelle, whose work is on show at New Designers in Islington until July 11, said: "All the effort has been worthwhile and I now intend to apply for a Starters Studio Scheme in Sheffield to set up on my own. I really want to go for it and establish my name."

Dr Chris Jones, senior lecturer in creative writing at Sheffield Hallam University, has been involved in a collaborative project, organised by Arts in the Peaks, that has just come to fruition after two years of planning.

The Companion Stones project brought together 12 poets and six artists to bring art and poetry to the Peak District.

Writers and artists were paired to produce 12 "companion stones" to go alongside the guide stoops that are peppered around the Peak District. Guide stoops are the original road markers on the old drove roads.

Weathered grit stone hands point people in the direction of nearby towns and cities such as Sheffield, Bakewell and Chesterfield.

Chris worked with Amanda Wray, a sculptor, to produce a stone that will eventually be situated on Beeley Moor.

All 12 companion stones are being displayed at the Moorland Centre, Edale. Visit www.companionstones.org.uk