As a theatre-obsessed teenager, I used to volunteer at the wonderful Hampstead theatre club in its early days when the director was James Roose-Evans (Obituary, 4 November). I remember well how small the Portakabin was. Before one performance, several of the audience complained that it was hot and airless. I told Roose-Evans, who immediately got a large aerosol can and went reassuringly up and down the aisles using it.
People were relieved and said they were now fine. I was impressed until Roose-Evans whispered to me that the can was completely empty, but he was pleased people felt so much better. A charming man whose acting skills came in useful that day.
Jennifer Hurstfield
London
