15 JULY 1966, Page 4

On Playwrights and Critics

In simpler days Men went to plays To see if they would like them; And, if they wanted to, they'd pay, And, if they didn't, stay away, As it might chance to-strike them.

But in our age The modern stage Has subsidised theatres, And dramatists go raging mad If critics say their plays are bad And satirise their betters.

Its rather hard The avant-garde Should mock mankind in chorus And in return the madding crowd On no account should be allowed To say how much they bore us.

CHRISTOPHER /-10L I IS