In recent weeks, letters have appeared in the Journal expressing outrage towards "Jerry Springer - The Opera" and theatre in general. It is a shame that people don't have anything more useful to do with their time than to jump onto this bandwagon of narrow-mindedness.

Let us recall that the Nazi government took it upon itself to determine what was 'art' and what was 'decadent'. The Taliban imposed strict censorship. Even in Shakespeare's day, the Puritan minority was trying to close down theatres - and we know how popular the Puritan regime turned out to be.

Some people really do think that culture is some harmless thing left over from fifty years ago. Fortunately, there are still plenty of individuals who value free speech, artistic endeavour and contemporary culture. As grown-ups we are able to exercise choice. These self-appointed moral guardians seem to think they have the right to ban that choice.

No wonder they see theatre as a "cesspool of moral depravity" - what they really can't stand is that people are enjoying first class entertainment and a stimulating debate offered up by talented artists who don't subscribe to a Daily Mail style agenda of intolerant nonsense.

If only such people could focus their energies on the real issues in society, rather than insisting on shooting the messenger. After all, who in their right minds would imagine that theatre is responsible for the ills of society?

Let the killjoys rant to their hearts' content. In the meantime, contemporary British theatre continues to offer an alternative to burying your head in the sand.

Lynn Davies, Evesham Arts Centre, Evesham.