Sir, My drama group is performing Mother Goose in January at Derby Guildhall Theatre and 12 children are involved. We have had to fill in a five or six-page document for each child, endorsed by a parent or guardian. A copy of each child’s birth certificate and two passport-size photographs are also required to obtain the licence to perform (“Kids’ theatre of the absurd”, Notebook, Nov 23).
We have schoolteachers, guiders and Brownie leaders and church wardens involved, but chaperones are still needed and have to be cleared by social services regardless of previous clearance. We need permission for each child photographed and named in the programme.
If the person securing the premises finds that a child has not yet been collected, he or she cannot offer the child a lift home.
We have been performing with adults and children since 1984, but I have seriously considered not involving children any more.
MICHALE GAUNT
Chellaston, Derby