12 SEPTEMBER 1981, Page 14

More jokes

Sir: I have always assumed that readers of the Spectator have a sense of humour; without one they must find parts of it decidedly peculiar. If the best Julian Budden can do (5 September) to add substance to his bizarre fancies is to cite my sardonic reaction to yet another poor production of The Tales of Hoffmann, then I must take care never, ever to make a joke again. And Mr Budden's unwillingness to acknowledge the incestuous element in Rigoletto's relationship with his daughter is taking his selfproclaimed innocence altogether too far.

Rodney Manes

21 Dalebury Road, London SW17