Madam, - I am Dublin born and bred, but have been living abroad for the past eight years.
On a recent visit to Dublin I attended the Gate Theatre's production of Private Lives by Sir Noel Coward. The play was brilliant and Stephen Brennan's performance as Elyot Chase particularly memorable.
The downside was the level of what could only be called "grunge" among the audience. I was astounded to see so many people, both men and women, wearing jeans and training shoes.
I know that life has become a little less formal in recent years - but, honestly, jeans and "trainers" to the theatre on a Saturday night? Surely not!
Has the relatively recent arrival of affluence in our land changed us so much that we "dress down" when going out? It really is a sad reflection on Irish society. - Yours, etc,
BARRY COFFEY,
Beaulieu sur Mer,
France.