We write in response to the letter published on July 5 about Ken Dodd's recent visit to the Grand Opera House, York. As anyone lucky enough to get tickets for one of his regular sell-out shows will know, he is famed for performing until the early hours. This is excellent value for money and one of reasons Ken Dodd has so many fans who rush to buy tickets.

We are sorry the women in question felt uncomfortable during her visit, but having 1,000 patrons in the auditorium for any length of time does generate heat.

Celebrating our 102nd birthday next January, we have listed status and although air conditioning was installed during the £4 million refit in the mid-1980s, this is now old and not operated very often because of its temperamental nature and the adverse comments it generates.

We take customer service very seriously at the Grand Opera House York. We always respond to customer comments.

We telephoned the writer of the letter and are sorry the messages were not received.

The situation has since been rectified and we look forward to welcoming her back.

It is wonderful in this era of videos, pubs and cinemas that 1,000 people choose to support their local theatre.

Grand Opera House York receives no external funding or government support and we rely solely on scheduling popular shows the people of York want to see.

I hope we can look forward to continued support with our great new season.

Lizzie Richards,

General Manager,

Grand Opera House,

York.

Updated: 09:11 Saturday, July 12, 2003