A Dome supporter
From Mr Roger Simpson Sir: Week after week your writers deride the Dome at Greenwich, and it is about time you stopped your carping. It has its short- comings but it is not 'ludicrous' nor a 'white elephant' as stigmatised by your radio critic (Arts, 5 August).
I wonder if I might venture a contrary opinion after having visited the Dome twice — a total of ten or so hours discovering its contents and admiring its structure, and seeing the crowds happy and enjoying the atmosphere of the place. I am convinced that no one should forgo the opportunity of a day's outing there and no notice should be taken of those critics who damn it with faint praise, particularly those who have not been near the site and who are prejudiced for some reason or other.
The spectacular acrobatic performance by the trapeze artists and the dancers is worth every penny of the entrance charge, not to mention all the other sideshows. Some exhibits are of little consequence, but overall the Dome is an experience not to be missed. On my second visit I accompanied a group of 20 discerning Dutch visitors and all of them came away contented.
Roger Simpson
Woldingham, Surrey
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