I USED to regard the York Theatre Royal as a cultural haven. No longer. On a visit to its restaurant on a recent afternoon, I was assailed and insulted, almost to the point of breakdown, by tapes of the pathetic squawks of four Liverpudlians.

It was a degrading experience I have no intention of repeating. Even if the theatre had played genuine music, what guarantee would there have been that all those forced to listen would have appreciated or enjoyed it?

What is wrong with silence, save for diners' chatter? Goodbye York Theatre Royal. It was nice knowing you.

Ivor Smullen,

Coniston Avenue,

Headingley,

Leeds.