YOU recently published two letters claiming that pantomime fans would be better off in Bridlington seeing TV celebrities trying a craft that Berwick Kaler has been delighting York audiences with for 24 years, and that our prices have increased by 85 per cent.

To both I would say, leave the telling of great tales to Berwick!

Last year our full prices ranged from £6.25 to £17.50.

This year they're from £7 to £18.50 - a six per cent increase on our very top ticket prices at the height of the Christmas period.

Last year of 65 performances, 22 were lower priced because we know that not everyone would choose the height of the season to enjoy our show.

The same number, 22, are available this year, which amounts to about 20,000 tickets available at cheaper or discounted rates - hardly a limited offer.

So having brought down the curtain on one fairy story, let's look at the other.

Ian Brunton (Letters, May 21) believes he knows better than 50,000 people who flock to see Berwick, Martin Barrass, Suzy Cooper and David Leonard year after year in a tradition that has not only become a local legend, but a national one.

It's personal, of course, but I suspect there are generations of fans who would have to disagree.

And last year in Leeds for a best seat at a quality show, you'd have been asked for £26 - that's £7.50 more than you'd have paid at the York Theatre Royal.

You might believe that in Bridlington low prices and top quality go together, or be tempted by the bright lights and high prices that Leeds has on offer.

Or, you'll know, like all those that know better that there's no place like home!

Ludo Keston,

Chief executive,

York Theatre Royal,

Duncombe Place, York.

...THE correspondence on the price of theatre tickets causes me to compare the pantomime and most musical shows, which play to large audiences, to most plays, which play to audiences well below the profit line.

It has long been my belief that many more people would be regular theatre-goers if the price of tickets was lowered.

The full theatre when two-for-the-price-of-one tickets are available should tell its own story.

However, theatre managers cannot be blamed for maximising profits on successful shows, to cover losses on shows which do not attract the crowds.

Pricing policy should be re-addressed and, if lower price tickets are provided, maximum publicity is required.

JK Lynch,

Delamere Close,

Wigginton, York.

Updated: 09:38 Saturday, May 25, 2002