REGARDING the article 'Who Cares About Theatre' by Miss E Rigby.

Not everyone would agree with your comments. What about the young people and people of all ages who rehearse solidly for a year in order to perform for one week on the stage at the Theatre Royal - the dancing schools, operatic societies, a drama group, instrumentalists and brass bands to name a few.

Where else could they perform?

Not at the Citadel as it is far too small.

It never ceases to amaze me that this small venue, so limited in its use, is supported by St Helens Council, yet the Theatre Royal receives no financial support.

Regarding the quality of the shows. During September and October you can see 'The 3 Tenors', 'Half a Sixpence', 'Out of Order', an hilarious play by Ray Cooney, and an hilarious musical comedy 'Orpheus in the Underworld'. Something for everyone.

Many people would disagree with your remarks regarding the Gilbert and Sullivan Society.

Like the shows above they have their regular supporters who look forward to the productions which are not dreadfully produced or acted.

Many of the letter writers appear to be people who never attend the Theatre and I feel you come into this category. May I make a suggestion.

See the above shows, visit the Circle Bar and partake of one of the cocktails on offer (non-alcoholic), I shall even buy you one and raise your glass to the Theatre tenants who sent in an army of cleaners to brighten up the theatre, the Theatre Royal Trust, the Friends of the Theatre Royal and many other people who work to keep the Theatre Royal open.

Note the many changes - new carpets etc - and perhaps your comments will be more constructive in the future.

I appreciate you have a right to your opinion but no right to spread doom and gloom about a theatre, which you appear to know very little about.

Enid Pennington (name and address supplied)

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