Letter: No crisis in drama

Sir: David Lister's article "RSC goes to war against National" (7 January) creates the impression of hostility where none exists.

The RSC and the National Theatre are two very different organisations with different purposes, but we have always worked together and supported each other. Funding discrepancies between us are a matter of regret to both organisations.

Remarkably, the RSC and the National have both survived, and created between them dozens of fine productions, through six years of standstill funding. Attempts to portray us as being at each other's throats are merely mischievous at a time when, at last, things may be getting a little better.

ADRIAN NOBLE

Director, Royal Shakespeare Company

TREVOR NUNN

Director, National Theatre

London SE1