I AGREE with your theatre reviewer that the Holly and the Ivy was a significant performance and superbly acted.

But I cannot agree that the vicar was no more than a ‘prisoner of circumstance’.

In fact, he is the opposite: By facing his shortcomings he becomes reunited with his alcoholic dysfunctional daughter, who herself finds ‘peace’ and a home, despite her past failure in family relationships.

And the vicar`s other daughter is able to set herself free from her father and enter into marriage and happiness.

And to the end the two old aunts never knew how difficult they could be!

So the play has great hope, not least for those who dread Christmas and the arrival of relatives!

REVD PAUL HUNT
Malvern Wells