OBVIOUSLY Carol Riding disliked the touring production of “This May Hurt A Bit” at the Octagon in Bolton.

Although I have not yet seen it, I discussed it with my sister, whose politics are a little different to mine. She had a thoroughly enjoyable evening; excellent acting with a relatively small cast playing a variety of roles.

We could have discussed the politics more deeply but, to her, the quality of the play and excellent casting were paramount.

We both probably agree that most NHS staff are fantastic, but the service is unbalanced by over-paid and self-important managers, many of who have no medical experience.

I believe we are in great need of professionally produced satire, as we had in the 1960s, when TW3 (That Was The Week That Was) hit the scene.

Our media is awash with reality dross and stand-up comics, few of whom shine much of a light on the state of society.

Creeping privatisation is hitting the NHS and other public areas, even the prison service. The gap between rich and poor is reaching mediaeval proportions.

Too many writers and performers are inward-looking, producing a repetitive sludge of stand-up yells and reality regurgitation.

There is even a new musical based on X Factor, backed by Simon Cowell. Not much criticism there then.

In the 1960s a new crop of writers, performers and media leaders began to throw light on society’s ills.

Not all of it was brilliant, but enough got through to open eyes and minds. Laughter proved a powerful weapon.

2014 is desperate for another light, just as the likes of Hogarth proved centuries earlier.

It might be unsettling, but the medicine will have long term benefits for the patient.

David Sharples Tarbet Drive Breightmet