I certainly agree with this. It was unfair to promote LLoyd Webbers Musicals on a public broadcaster. For a comercial broadcaster to do it would have been absolutely fine and nobody would have minded but on a supposedly unbiased and advertisement free broadcaster like the BBC this is not fair

Lloyd Gunton, Maidstone, Kent

I`m in favour of Kevin Spaceks. poetic licence. He has given our theatrical heritage much credibilty with his huge efforts at The Old Vic . Let us promote more theatre & give our youth the opportunity to become part of our treasured heritage.I donated the Shakespeare Cup to Alderely Edge Festival to encourage more pupils to enter the festival. It has proved to be most successful. Kevin Spacek should continue to speak the good speech.

jeannette slavinski, Cheadle, UK

Saying there is not a commercial relationship with these type of shows is simply not true. I recently went to see the Sound of Music where it was clear that the majority of the audience where there because of the TV show. Whilst this is diversifying traditional audiences which must be seen as a good thing the shows are better placed on commercial television where there can be an honest promotional relationship.

If the BBC continues to copy commercial formats then what is the point of the BBC?

Martin Longstaff, London,

How Lloyd Webber's personal appearance enters into this argument beats me. I thought this was for grown up comments!

Peter, Leeds, UK

The BBC has never been 'balanced' thats why the poll tax - that so called license fee, should be axed. But this government never had to mettle to do that. I don't mind what the BBC does, but it's not entitled to public funding when it is clearly one sided in so many ways.
It is excellent in many ways however, but must immediately give up its claim to be a public corporation.

R Singh, London, UK

I agree with Mr Spacey. The simple fact that this is a third show for and on BBC where Andrew Lloyd Webber haspersonal interest and appears on it it totally unfair. Besides, he is just awful to look at!

I am a humble license payer and a theatre goer. I am sure it is possible to devise excellent shows that promote talents and extol virtues of other types of performing art - what about the set designers or musicians in the pit? How about casting the Xmas play in the National Theatre where kids from drama schools around the country compete for the parts?

There are lots of opportunities. Kevin Spacey has created some himself at the Old Vic with the Master classes, open visits for future actors and 24 hour play. That is without any support from the BBC.

Now, given what has public and BBC done for him, how much has Andrew Lloyd Webber given back to the rest of us? We should hear that from him.

Lilly Evans, Staines, UK

"not unduly promotional" - what in heaven;'s name does that mean? These programmes are the best advertising Andrew Lloyd Webber et al could possibly get for their shows. Well said, Mr Spacey, I couldn't agree more with your point of view.

Jill Besterman, Jersey, , Channel Islands

You're essentially correct Mr Spacey. This is, to all ends and purposes, a free commercial for a West end Musical.

Mark Jose, Loughborough, UK

Well said Mr Spacey. It is high time someone spoke out on these kind of programmes. The West-End is being filled with am-drams. Let's face it though, if a member of the general public went into say, a hairdresser or barber shop, they would be horrified if someone 'off the street' attempted to cut their hair. This is no different. Let the amateurs join their own groups and keep the true professionals in work.

Real actors learn their trade through Drama School or Repertory Theatre etc. Some are lucky enough to work for the RSC; RNT or the wonderful Kevin Spacey at the Old Vic.Not by chance overnight..

Carolyn Wheel, YORK, United Kingdom

Do we- as License payers- get a cut of the profits from the West End run?

My fee's helped get this show cast after all.

And, as I live in the North West, do I get help with travel costs if I choose to travel the 250 miles to see this London based (but Nationally advertised) show?

Answer please BBC. And Mister Mackintosh.

Tom higgins, Liverpool, UK