SCORES of people have written to York's Grand Opera House to protest at next week's staging of Jerry Springer: The Opera.

More than 120 letters have already been received by theatre bosses, prior to the opening night of the controversial musical on Monday.

But hundreds of other people want to see the award-winning production.

Opera house bosses have pledged to go ahead with the five dates, which finish next Friday, despite the furious reaction to the show.

The musical, which critics say features obscenities and blasphemous language, has sparked outrage during its current tour.

But opera house spokeswoman Celestine Dubruel said the show was definitely going ahead, despite the 40 protest letters which were arriving every day.

She said: "We gave people the opportunity to give their views at the public debate we held last week and, to be honest, people didn't say very much then. We have had quite a few objection letters from people on the grounds of religion, which is a very personal thing, and we are saying, if you find the musical offensive, then please don't come to see it."

But she said: "The co-writer and director, Stewart Lee, who spoke at the debate, is so eloquent and knowledgeable about the Bible that it is difficult to argue with him."

Ms Dubruel said there were still plenty of tickets available for the show, and added: "It could be better - as we would have liked to have been sold out by now. But it is a very funny show, and I think when people see it and tell their friends how good it is, we will sell lots of tickets for the rest of the week."

One person who will definitely not be attending is the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.

A spokesman said he had seen the controversial musical when it was on television and thought it was "in bad taste". He said: "I don't think there would be any point in him seeing the stage production, although I believe there are differences, because he has to spend his time on more valuable things."

Updated: 10:25 Saturday, February 18, 2006