It is certainly unforgivable to treat professional artists (indeed, anyone) other than courteously, and respectfully, and it saddens me to hear that any of the people performing at the Ham might have been greeted with outright rudeness.

The comment concerning not taking instructions from a woman is particularly worrying, as it suggests an attitude that is indefensible on any grounds. When the person concerned is the manager of a professional act, it should be understood that she is acting in what she sees as the best interests of her clients, and if what she wants is not possible, that should be explained politely.

I hope that this was an unfortunate one-off, due to pressure, and that it will never happen again.

Don T.