Letter: Hunch backed

CONTRADICTING a knight of the theatre is not done lightly, but here goes: Sir Ian McKellen is quoted in Peter Guttridge's article "My kingdom for a cigarette" (Review, 19 November) about Richard Loncraine's film version of Richard III, as lamenting the lack of British financial backing for this prestigious venture. "Nobody in England responded".

Yes they did. Mayfair Entertainment International Ltd is the largest investor in the film. As chairman, I am happy to report that everyone there is delighted with that decision and its result.

Roger Wingate

London WC2