Why exactly should the council stump up our cash to fund an event which appeals to such a limited number of people?

Fans of the Bard usually strike me as simply being out to impress others with their supposed culture and intellect. Shakespeare simply has nothing to do with modern day Leeds, and his plays are both dated and uninspiring.

If the council did ever fancy funding a play or two, surely they should get behind someone more modern and more relevant to the city (like the great Alan Bennett for instance).

Jeanne Bendle is hoping for A Midsummer Night's Dream. The honest ones amongst us who have seen this play or any of Shakespeare's other 'comedies' would admit that they have all the comedic value of a bad episode of Last of the Summer Wine.

I for one, would rather see our money spent on getting Compo, Clegg and Foggy on stage as opposed to flying in a bunch of thespians from the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Mick Goodwin, Lower Wortley, Leeds


I totally agree that it is shameful that Leeds City Council cannot find the money to support the Shakespeare Festival at Kirkstall Abbey, which is a wonderful and well-attended event in a magical setting.

However, they can find the money to launch Leeds, Love It, Live It to deal with our cultural activities – and then re-launched itself with a big party not so long ago, spending taxpayers' money on marketing and PR people to publicise something to the people of Leeds which we were already aware of.

LINDA CARTER, Rodley, Leeds.


I was amazed to hear that the Leeds Shakespeare Festival won't go ahead this year. It has been such a wonderful opportunity for young and old alike to enjoy the wonderful world of Shakespeare. There is an atmosphere in open air theatre that can't be matched. Three generations of my family have enjoyed the fun of this festival. It is amazing how Shakespeare's plays offer a window on the ways of the world today – just as relevant as they always were.

Please don't let us lose our festival.

Anne Sharman, email