Thousands of people would disagree with Joy Collie's letter (January 9) about the pantomime at the Theatre Royal.

Box office sales are evidence of the overwhelming affection and admiration that people of all ages have for Berwick Kaler.

"A plot"! One does not need a traditional plot with Berwick and his happy team.

His magnetism, charisma and sense of fun involve his audience in an enriching experience. The costumes, scenery, special effects and effort ensure a fresh, lively performance each time. It is a pantomime, not a formal play and one needs a sense of humour to share it.

I have been twice this year and would love to go again; and can not wait to book next year's performance.

Long may he reign!

Barbara C Crane,

Alma Terrace,

York.

...I think Joy Collie's letter about panto star Berwick Kaler was very unjust. Berwick Kaler is very much an icon in York at Christmas time.

You can see Irene McGreger and other "celebrities" at any theatre, you can only see Berwick in York.

He is very talented, as are the rest of the regular cast and they only need a skeleton plot. That's how Berwick's pantomime's work; because the cast are all natural improvisers.

I've been going to his pantos since I was about three - 19 years ago - and have never gone away not having enjoyed them. Berwick, Martin, David, Susie, Juliet and cast have become a part of York and York Theatre Royal's cultures and they should definitely see the city through the Millennium!

Jenny Dixon,

Moor Lane,

Dringhouses,

York.

...in reply to Joy Collie's letter, I'm sorry she didn't enjoy the panto. Our group has seen every one of Berwick Kaler's pantos and enjoyed them all.

This one especially. Good clean fun, plenty of laughter, audience rapport that's what panto is all about.

We have also seen other pantomimes and they weren't a patch on the Theatre Royal shows. Long may they reign. We're all looking forward to another one later this year. Best wishes to Berwick and all his cast.

Margaret Pool,

The Manor House,

York Road,

Barlby.

...I have sat through a variety of Berwick Kaler pantos and no, there is no plot. Just an abnormal amount of banal humour that leaves me cold.

Unfortunately for me, my children and husband find it all amusing! A fact which horrifies me! This year we went with some friends for a meal with lots of red wine first which made the evening almost bearable.

I feel that my sense of humour is a little too sophisticated to appreciate a "traditional York panto".

Julie Dickens,

Huntington Road,

York.

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