It is so sad that David Harewood’s memory of his first professional job is of being “slaughtered” by reviewers with racist views (‘I was only able to go on stage hammered’: David Harewood on acting, racism and his new role at Rada, 23 April). He was electrifying as Romeo. The balcony scene was all the more powerful for there being no balcony; the restraint between the two young lovers was social not physical, but their mutual passion was totally credible. It was a great performance, presaging the great actor he has become.
Elizabeth Jones
York
• Was it necessary for Angela Rayner to call Rishi Sunak a “pint-sized loser” to boost her criticism of the government (The politics sketch, 24 April)? Why is it acceptable to be sarcastic about someone’s size? After all, Donald Trump is over 6ft tall and he’s not exactly a shining star.
Martin Freedman
London
