Letter: Disharmony

Sir: I am British, black and somewhat tired of being patronised by members of the arts establishment. The chairman of the Arts Council, Gerry Robinson, has accused arts companies of "plying their trade to the same white, middle-class audiences" ("Arts council chief warns of middle- class elitism", 15 October).

Believe it or not, I can afford National Theatre prices and yes, perhaps even Royal Opera prices from time to time. I am capable of making an informed choice and could just about cope with an otherwise white audience. I work with white people, I dine with white people but I'm not particularly interested in this type of theatre. I do not go because I do not want to.

Reducing ticket prices is a worthy aim but I am not a barometer for the success or otherwise of Mr Robinson's social engineering.

DIANE WEBSTER

London N5