WITH reference to The Press item “Panto in new hands” on the Grand Opera House reminds me of my childhood and being taken to that venue, although the old name of the Empire Theatre Music Hall became extinct.

My parents secured a prestige seat in the gods, part of the slapstick entertainment was subscribed to by the occasional coat floating down into the audience below.

I have recollections of leading personalities of stage and screen appearing. Berwick Kaler lays testimony to the artists who trod the boards in panto land.

Long may it thrive. Mind you, MP’s question time takes some beating.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York