The Tricycle Theatre has been rechristened The Kiln

• YOU printed a letter from Joanna Kennedy, the past chair of the Oxford Stage Company, comparing the change of that company’s name with the change of the Tricycle Theatre’s name, and wondering why the latter had caused such an uproar, (It’s the work that matters not just the name of an arts venue, July 19).

The comparison she made is in no way similar. I was a director of the Oxford Playhouse Company in 1976 – the predecessor of the Oxford Stage Company. Both those companies were predominantly based at the Oxford Playhouse.

Over subsequent years the Oxford Stage Company loosened its relationship with Oxford and became a touring company, so it was a reasonably logical decision to change its name, and Headlong was chosen.

The Tricycle Theatre, however, was not an itinerant theatre company. It is a landmark in London. It is loved by its local community, hence the uproar over the change of name.

It has proudly served Kilburn, the people of Brent and London, for almost 40 years. And over that time it has become a national and international brand. Throwing all that away is surely rather headstrong (if you will forgive the pun).

NICOLAS KENT
Artistic Director
Tricycle Theatre 1984-2012