Embarrassment may be an English trait, but I commend the bravery of the theatre-goer who asked Timothy West and colleagues to speak up.

I was in the audience the following day and I and many people sitting near me were unable to hear. I have never had that trouble in our excellent theatre before, and expected better of the experienced players; it spoilt my enjoyment.

I note that your critic on March 3 did not comment on the cast's performance; merely that she found the play hard to understand. So did we - and at least partly because we couldn't hear.

Mrs Elizabeth Dunnett, Abbey Road, Malvern.