The final curtain has finally come down on Dame Berwick Kaler after 40 years of entertaining young and old with good, clean, non-controversial slapstick entertainment.

How many of today’s entertainers will stand the test of time as Berwick has? He has served York and its people wonderfully and I fear his boots are too big to be filled.

His final words, ‘if the theatre needs me, I’ll be back like a shot’ (The Press February 4), could have come from King Arthur: he will return when Britain needs him most.

Perhaps Berwick should go into politics. At least then we would have something to laugh about coming from Parliament. And Berwick would find himself at home with the other clowns in government.

DM Deamer,

Penleys Grove Street,

Monkgate, York