LET'S give three rousing cheers for the brave soul who asked the actors at Malvern Theatres to speak up. I'm sorry W R Carver's enjoyment was spoiled by this protest, but I applaud anyone who, unlike my timorous self, has the courage to do it.

In my experience, however, such protests always fall upon deaf ears (Sorry!). So my advice would be to book early and get a front seat, or to go to the cinema instead, where the sound is turned up to full volume for the special benefit of the hard of hearing!

JIM FIELDING, Kempley Green, Dymock.