The Jerry Springer - The Opera argument has got everyone fired up.

The Evening News was full of letters, and we also had headline comments from an MP (be nice to see you at the Swan some time, Peter).

In addition to the Jerry Springer controversy, we had the case of a play being taken off in Birmingham before Christmas because of violent protests. So what are the rights and wrongs of the arguments?

The play's case is very clear cut. It is appalling that a playwright's right to freedom of expression is denied because of a religious minority group, not making a peaceful and legal protest, but behaving in a violent manner to those wishing to see it.

The police said they could not guarantee public safety, and that's why the play came off.

I've no idea if the play was good, bad, offensive or much ado about nothing, but the content was clearly stated, and nobody has to buy a ticket. It is as much anybody's right to buy a ticket as it is to not buy one.

Surely we should not allow a small group of people stop something happening by offering violence in a country admired the world over for its free speech.

Television is more difficult because people can tune into things by accident and, of course, children can access things more easily.

But are we never to show anything controversial in case someone sees it who will be offended? Surely not.

Jerry Springer has had wide critical acclaim, and is an innovative piece of drama. It should be seen by those who want to see it. If you don't like bad language (and there could not have been more warnings), don't watch!

And, given the tsunami, aren't there more important thing to worry about?

Chris Jaeger is director of Huntingdon Arts.

BRIEFLY what's going on

Cider play

THE Swan Theatre Amateur Company is on the lookout for talented actors and actresses to take part in their production of Cider with Rosie in June.

The group will be holding open auditions on Sunday between 2pm and 2.30pm in the upstairs bar at the Swan Theatre and again on Thursday, January 27, between 7.30pm and 8pm in the Swan Theatre studio.

For more information call 01905 726969.

BRIEFLY what's going on

Auditions

ASPIRING actors and actresses from Worcestershire are being invited to apply for a place at Britain's premier youth theatre organisation.

The National Youth Theatre is looking for talented youngsters to join its acting and technical departments.

The deadline for applications is Friday, January 28, and auditions will be in February.

For more information visit www.nyt.org.uk or call 0845 603 9063.

BRIEFLY what's going on

Musical mix

FOCUS Theatre will be bringing a combination of words, music, and comedy to the Everyman Theatre's The Other Space in Cheltenham from Tuesday, January 25 to Saturday,

January 29.

Encore! is a magical mix of favourite songs from Gershwin classics to modern day pop, plus sketches and monologues.

Tickets, which cost £7.50, are available from the box office on 01242 572573 or log on to www.everymantheatre.org.uk

Piano songs

UPTON Arts Music Group will be performing The Art of Song and Piano at the town's Memorial Hall on Sunday.

Mezzo Hilary Wilkinson and soprano Emma Gough will be accompanied by pianists Margaret Dixon and David Jones to perform a opera, Lieder, English song and piano solos.

Tickets for the 3pm concert cost £4 for members and £4.50 for non-members and include a tea party afterwards.

They are available by calling 01684 593465.

BRIEFLY