IRANIANS are celebrated for their sense of humour, and we should be grateful to them for bringing a touch of comedy to a situation where tragedy and daily reports of horror and despair are the norm.

Their subtle performance of The Pirates Of Teheran was masterly, and the surprise ending left the worldwide audience delighted and open-mouthed.

The British made a spirited challenge with an impromptu performance of Carry on Tony. Petulance and impotent fury are always hilarious, and the Prime Minister's impersonation of Basil Fawlty could hardly be bettered.

A couple of pratfalls by his colleagues added to the general hilarity, and almost brought the house down.

Alas, as often happens, the Westminster Follies tend to play to the gallery. The decision to end with The Sailors' Chorus when quite clearly none of them could sing, was a mistake, a mistake, a mistake.

My advice to those responsible for this farce: kindly leave the stage.

William Dixon Smith, Welland Rise, Acomb, York.