23 DECEMBER 1966, Page 14

Theatre in Crisis

SIR,—Mrs Spurling might have considered the rela- tionship between the commercial and the so-called repertory companies the other way round. So far from the commercial theatres trying to rise to their level, the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, with its superficial and cosy Staircase, and the National, with its projected production of As You Like it in drag seem to be descending to the cosiness, mild salacity and gimmickry of Shaftesbury Avenue.

HENRY ADLER

3 Roland Gardens, London SW7