The only reason for this short note is to allay Ms Almond's insinuation that I might be fearful of answering her challenge regarding her and her friends' dismay at my not loving her show.

Had I been in my position as Mercury Arts Editor and theatre/film/music reviewer for 15 minutes, Ms Almond's challenge might have carried some weight. However, having chalked up 27 years of regular theatre, film and music reviewing, 11 of them in my capacity as Arts Editor, I believe I have gained sufficient experience in my field.

I must be doing something right to still be employed. And to be constantly asked by producers, performers and publicists to review their shows. And to be called upon annually as a Durban Theatre Awards judge - and an FNB Vita Theatre Awards judge in the years before that. It might also be worth recording that I was one of five nominees for the Arts and Culture Trust's Arts Journalist of the Year award in its inaugural year.

Billy Suter

PS: This correspondence, certainly from my side, is now closed.