Independent 6999 - 10A please?

[quizzled]

Measure front of auditorium in theatre (5)

I have E_A_A

Any ideas very gratefully received. It's my last remaining (assuming the answer to 29A The c-word is CALL).

[vegasmad]

Is the E right? I think it's drama. Measure = dram, front of auditorium = a

[quizzled]

The E comes from
Regretted sounding blue (4)

for which I had RUED

I can certainly see where you get drama. Thank you.

[quizzled]

Of course I should have it as RUDE.
D'oh!

Thanks so much for your help. It has been driving me nuts.

[vegasmad]

Happy to help :-)