I’m surprised that your story about the proliferation of star names in West End productions didn’t say more about the knock-on effect of inflating the price of seats in order to pay such stars (What’s in a name? West End casting directors raise concerns about trend for big stars, 24 October).
As a not particularly well-paid civil servant in my early 20s, I lived in London for three years and regularly went to the theatre, albeit in the cheap seats. Subsequently, on occasional overnight visits I’d go to see whatever was available.
Earlier this year I spent two nights in central London, having not visited for several years. I looked to see what was on and from my point of view there was nothing affordable. I know that theatres can fill their seats with well-heeled locals and free-spending tourists, but many theatre lovers are being priced out of the West End, and the presence of “stars” is a major factor. And then there’s the reduction in available roles for young actors.
Anne Cowper
Swansea
• Let’s hear it for Shakespeare’s Globe, which never makes a big thing about cast members, giving prominence to the play.
I remember going to see Twelfth Night in October 2012, knowing that Mark Rylance was playing Olivia, only to discover that Stephen Fry, returning from a breakdown, was Malvolio, and Roger Lloyd Pack Sir Andrew Aguecheek, in what was to be one of his last performances.
Many other productions include well-known names, eg Samantha Spiro in the recent Troilus and Cressida, or often “him off that television series ...” To my knowledge George Clooney has yet to appear, but nothing would surprise me.
Jean Austin
Crawley, West Sussex
• I am so privileged to live in the city of Glasgow, where we have the newly reopened Citizens theatre. Last week I went to see Dundee Rep’s excellent version of The Glass Menagerie with no huge star names; this week I am going through to Edinburgh to see The Seagull at the Lyceum with star draw Caroline Quentin, which is getting rave reviews.
Perhaps the problem lies with people living in London? Get into the provinces, folks, and enjoy theatre (and life) at a cheaper price!
Mary Fitzpatrick
Glasgow
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