The Revellers with their exciting production of Return to the Hidden Planet, the Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society's excellent version of Showboat and Westwood Musical Society's lovely performance of Anything Goes.

It made us appreciate what a wonderful diversity of amateur musical and theatrical talent there is in and around Peterborough.

We saw the shows at the delightful Key Theatre. We noticed that since Peterborough City Council has spent nearly £2 million of public money refurbishing the building, all indications that it is a theatre have been removed. Its name on the outside has gone, as has the large notice board on the forecourt, advertising current and future shows. To an outsider, it now appears like any other impersonal office block, the likes of which can be seen throughout the UK.

I have heard that the reason the name has not been restored is that there are those on the council who do not consider the original name to be good enough now that Peterborough is not only a city but a unitary authority.

A grand name more in keeping with its newfound status is required. Something such as Peterborough Regional Arts Theatre, or PRAT for short. Not a particularly good acronym for a centre of entertainment and culture, but a very apt description of those who must change things for the sake of change.

Since it was built, the three theatre directors Tony Clayton, Derek Killeen and the current brilliant actor/director Michael Cross, have gained for The Key a reputation for theatrical excellence that is the envy of other theatre managements.

Come on Peterborough City Council, appreciate the real gem we have on the bank of the River Nene. Restore the name of the theatre to its rightful place on the new frontage so that all who see it will know that behind the glass facade lies a vibrant, living theatre – The Key Theatre.
Joyce and Fred Haslock
Nobles Close,
Coates,
near Whittlesey

Sick of paying for drug addicts
I LIVE in Westwood and have done for many years. I am hardworking, and I pay full rent and council tax.

Here, the estate has many drug users who live on benefits, who get their rent paid. It's a free ride for them.

They spend their days (well, after
they get up at noon) going shoplifting and running all over the estate doing their drug deals.

The police know who they are.
They have no responsibilities, don't have to work as they amass a string of convictions, go to prison for a short while then come out and continue.

The decent, honest people have to witness their anti-social behaviour and we want an end to this culture of no work and excuses, just because they choose to take drugs.

Take their benefits away, put them to work and let them pay rent and taxes. Make them earn their money, insted of us having to earn it for them.

Why should we taxpayers keep financing this underclass of lazy people?
It's time it stopped.
NAME AND ADDRESS WITHHELD