OH dear! Cllr Griffith's letter tells us much more about him than about the productions at the castle. Apart from his atrocious literary style, he casts himself as the fool. He should stay at home and watch the television and leave the theatre to those who enjoy intelligent entertainment.

Incidentally, it is only half an hour (not three) to the first interval which compares with Stratford productions and my wife who needs to use a walking stick, had time to go to the excellent loos and be back in time for a leisurely coffee from our thermos flask.

The company must be complimented on its interpretation of the play, both in its significance and the poetry. The costumes in the sheep-shearing scene were delightful, but unfortunately the king (Leontes) looked distressingly like a head waiter most of the time. As far as the set was concerned, the company does not have the funding of a lavish London production and the castle facilities were used with flare and imagination. Michael Bogdanov has expertly directed both productions by this company, using several original interpretations such as the close of "The Merchant".

Cllr Griffith talks of drivel, and proves himself a master of the art. In any case, those of us regularly attending these annual productions will not be put off from staggering under the burden of cushions, rugs, picnic baskets and rainproof bin bags, to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the castle in the (frequently wet) gradual falling of the night.

Thank you to the Ludlow Festival Society for providing us with a very English entertainment.

John Moyle

Cleeton St Mary.