I WAS interested to read the letter from 'Appalled' concerning the recent play at the Norbury Theatre Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell.

First, may I offer full credit to the letter writer because at least they came to see the show and anyone who takes the trouble to support the Norbury Theatre has my fullest appreciation. But the Norbury would be failing in its duties if it did not produce a wide variety of styles of theatre, and indeed, it would be worrying if it offered nothing but "safe" shows.

To put on alternative and challenging productions allows we amateur actors (for I had a supporting role in the play) to tackle different roles, and equally caters for the differing interests of the viewing public.

The play was a true story about a highly respected columnist and journalist who enjoyed a drink, gambling and women too much for his own good - and the world would be a duller place without such characters, whatever one's opinion of them!

It took place in a pub, and since Jeffrey smoked, Martin Bourne who portrayed him had to smoke - although he is a non-smoker. It's called acting! If the letter writer was concerned by the smoke in the theatre, they should have heard how poor Martin felt after each performance...

I do hope that the letter writer continues to visit the Norbury, but also believe that if they are not appalled at least once a year, then the theatre is not doing it's job properly.

Lorraine D Yeldham

The Green

Cutnall Green