TO compare the work of Charles Hutchinson with Simon Cowell is certainly not complimentary, however well intentioned (Letters, July 14).

I always associate a review by Charles Hutchinson with the class and wit of the late great Jack Tinker (Daily Mail). Come to think of it, Tinker was, at the time, the only good reason for buying the Mail.

I think the time is right to ask for a rise, Charles.

Bob Paddison,

Lumby Hill,

Monk Fryston.

...I WAS surprised at Eddie Vee's letter about your theatre critic, Charles Hutchinson.

He is nothing like Simon Cowell, who is nasty and hurtful to some young person and enjoys humiliating them in front of viewers.

Although I do not always agree with Charles, I have always found him fair in his criticism.

Sometimes I have attended the show on the same night as Charles and we have discussed the show. On some occasions I think he has been much too kind with his comments.

When you think of the hours he has to spend watching some good, some not so good performances, I feel sorry for him. We in the audience can pick and choose what we go to see, but with Charles, it is a case of Hobson's Choice.

Don't be too hard on him for doing his job. Long may Charles continue in this capacity.

Godfrey Machen,

Lindsey Avenue,

Poppleton Road,

York.

Updated: 09:48 Tuesday, July 20, 2004