1997 starts with the prospect of some changes for Mime Action Group. A resolution to change the organisation's name will be put forward at MAG's AGM on 25 January. The move to change the name of the organisation is in part a reflection of the success MAG has achieved. Currently, there are a plethora of physical based performance companies touring their work this winter. The London International Mime Festival continues to go from strength to strength, The Cambridge Festival of New British Performance this month features the work of five companies, all of whom are MAG members. This is followed in February when the Moving Parts '97 Festival kicks off at MAC in Birmingham. An array of companies are now touring the circuit who have trained in physical performance but who would hesitate to call their technique 'mime'. A new name for MAG would not signal the end of the organisation's advocacy for mime but would rather reflect the breadth of performance styles which now make up the sector. To have your say, make sure you attend the AGM on 25 January. It is followed by the 'Critical Practice 2’ discussion on New Work in physical based performance. The event is chaired by Claire Armitstead of The Guardian – proof that this type of performance is now getting some serious media interest. All in all it's an exciting start to the year and don't forget that with the advent of ACE's Arts for Everyone (A4E) Award Scheme there could be a new opportunity for hard-to-find funding to develop your work. In the meantime I hope you enjoy this issue. We have Slava Polunin in conversation, we take a look into the madcap world of physical comedy and there’s a collection of articles on physical based performance and disability. Plus five pages of reviews and comprehensive listings. Remember Total Theatre is your magazine and relies upon your contributions to survive.