Janice Young, Freshwater:

Your theatre reviewer, Joe Plumb, attending a performance in Bembridge of The Mikado, suggests that Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta is "dated, offensive" and should be "consigned to the history books". 

Without wishing to turn this into a personal attack on Mr Plumb, this is a ridiculous suggestion, by someone who is himself involved with theatrical productions on the Island. 

The fact that all the performances were sold out, would indicate there are audiences who are happy and willing to pay to be entertained by GASP!, and that they wanted to see The Mikado. 

Photo: GASP!Read more: Review of The Mikado at Bembridge Village Hall on the Isle of Wight

Who would be the arbiter on such a silly proposal to ban "dated" productions? 

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Would Romeo and Juliet fail Mr Plumb's standards, being about underage sex? What about A Midsummer Night's Dream? Twelfth Night? Pantomime, Snow White — what would happen to that?

Read more: Isle of Wight theatre company to perform Gilbert and Sullivan's Mikado

Gilbert and Sullivan's works are a staple around the world. Thousands of amateur thespians cut their teeth on the Savoy operas — and long may that continue.

The answer to Mr Plumb is simple — if audiences don't want to see such shows, they won't buy tickets.

I imagine the theatrical groups with which Mr Plumb is associated would understand the old "bums on seats" mantra.

For the uninitiated, his review might also have explained that GASP! is Gilbert and Sullivan Productions.