Sir – As a regular theatregoer I wanted to share my disappointments over recent experiences at Oxford’s New Theatre .

I booked tickets to see Legally Blonde starring Gareth Gates and Jennifer Ellison. However I was extremely disappointed that both stars failed to made an appearance in the performance I’d booked and the only announcement made was as the curtain rose. I am wondering if it was because the theatre was half-empty.

A complaint to the New Theatre has failed to provide a satisfactory explanation.

This however, I’m afraid to say, isn’t a one-off incident. My parents not long ago purchased tickets to see South Pacific starring Samantha Womack and again were left disappointed when the star of the show was absent and her leading role filled by an understudy.

While I fully accept that the show itself is the main draw for audiences it is true that a great many people book tickets because a specific actor is appearing.

That is, after all, why theatres and production companies look at adding stars and celebrities to the billing of a particular production.

In these tough financial times visits to the theatre aren’t cheap and are very much a luxury, occasions that people really look forward to.

I certainly don’t wish to continue feeling let down after spending my hard-earned money on what should be a fantastic entertainment experience.

Matthew Goodman, Witney