Letter: Confused scramble for Ringside seats at Bayreuth

Sir: How pleasant to see a colour interior of the magnificent 1748 Bayreuth Opernhaus built by the Margravine Wilhelmina, composer and sister to Frederick the Great, albeit illustrating an article (22 August) on attending the arriviste Festspielhaus of 1876 on top of the hill.

If John Walsh knows how to get tickets for the annual half-dozen performances at the Margravine's Opernhaus, generally of Mozart given by the Bayerische Staatsoper, please let me know. It is said that a formidable lady retreats each year to an upper room bearing all the applications and descends after three days with the names of the elect. I have never made the cut.

IAIN MACKINTOSH

Theatre Projects Consultants

London NW5