Sir, It is not necessarily discourtesy or lack of appreciation that causes people to leave performances promptly (letters, September 11) but the need to get home, using the sparse late-night public transport.
Last week at Covent Garden we much enjoyed the performance of La Gioconda, but it did not finish until 10.55pm. After applauding briefly, we hot-footed it to Charing Cross, arriving on the platform in time to see our train pulling out.
Covent Garden had informed us in advance about the late ending, but that did not make it any easier to get a train. Earlier starting times for more works would help. I should think that only a small proportion of their patrons live within easy distance of the opera house.
Yours faithfully,
ANNE K. MATHEWS,
18 Grasmere Road,
Purley, Surrey CR8 1DU.
September 12.