hygienic pest-control jelly. S. KNOX CUNNINGHAM
Hamlet at Stratford
Sta,—You began your criticism of Hamlet at Strat- ford-upon-Avon with 'It won't do.' Will you allow me to say what it did for me yesterday, and for a crowded audience of varied ages and nationalities? It drew us into the play, in a more intimate way than any production I have ever seen, and I have seen many since the beginning of this century. I think this effect is largely due to David Warner's beautiful speaking of the soliloquies; he comes down-stage, and seems to be confiding in the audience, whose sympathy goes out to him. One of his most moving moments comes right at the end, the gentle way in which he persuades, not forces, Horatio not to drink the poisoned cup, kut to 'absent thee from felicity awhile': no wonder that Matthew Arnold took that line as one of the touch- stones of true poetry!
I thank the producer and all the cast, large parts and small, for an excellent rendering of the complete text—not one moment too long.
FRANCIS A. EVELYN Gold Hill Hotel, Malvern
For Young Poets
Stn,—In 1965 the Critical Quarterly Society is once more organising poetry competitions for anyone who has not yet published a book of verse and for under-nineteens. There is a special prize of £25 for the under-nineteen competition. Readers who would like further details should write to the Critical Quarterly Society, The University, Hull.
C. B. COX
The University, Hull A. E. DYSON
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