The Tricycle Theatre has been rechristened The Kiln

• I HAVE been a little surprised by the apparent depth of feeling about the name change of the Tricycle/Kiln Theatre as described in numerous pieces in your paper over the past months, (The Tricycle: what’s in a name? July 12).

I was the chair of the board of the Oxford Stage Company in 2006 when it changed its name to Headlong. That company was also well known under its original name but, like the Tricycle, decided to make a change to reflect the fact that it had reached a different stage in its development.

Initially the change was received with consternation in some quarters and adverse comment reflected on the idea that “Headlong” can signify a downward trajectory.

The board had a brief wobble in the face of this criticism but in quite short order the original name was forgotten. Headlong was widely accepted and the company flourished under that name. It helped, of course, that the work done by the company under the new name was spectacularly good.

Change is discombobulating which, in the arts, is often a good thing. But, in the long run, it is the work that counts. I very much hope and expect that Kiln will be able to confound its critics with a brilliant new programme under its new branding.

JOANNA KENNEDY
Findon Road, W12