WITH the greatest respect to P Willis (Letters, May 30), has he never heard of the much-publicised book and film on which the play Trainspotting was based?

If theatre could be summed up concisely, it should be educational, informative and entertaining. York is fast becoming a cosmopolitan city and to allow that process to develop our theatres must cater for all tastes and ages.

While this play did not appeal to P Willis, there will be other productions that do. Judging from the full houses I have witnessed on subsequent visits to York Theatre Royal over the last two weeks - to see John Godber's Reunion and Pete Atkin and Clive James - I think P Wallis must be in a minority.

Trainspotting deals with the unpalatable aspects of drug taking and the depths to which the users may plunge. It is hard hitting and at times unpleasant, but necessary to witness. Drug culture is an integral part of our culture and I wish to have some insight as to why people want to abuse potentially lethal substances.

Pilot Theatre Company have done a fantastic job and really conveyed this sub-culture with intelligence and humour.

Maybe I'll see P Willis at Neville's Island.

Bernadette Fletcher,

Fifth Ave,

Tang Hall, York.

Updated: 10:41 Monday, June 02, 2003