AS a regular visitor to York Theatre Royal, I was disappointed to have the recent production of East Is East ruined by the use of herbal cigarettes.

I understand that normal cigarettes cannot be used, but surely an alternative method could be found?

Sitting on the fourth row, watching an excellent production, we had this awful smell drifting past at regular intervals.

We could hear coughing and comments such as "oh no not this again" from other members of the audience.

Being an allergy sufferer, I found this smoke uncomfortable.

There was no mention of herbal cigarettes when we booked the tickets, and also no poster advertising this fact at all during the performance.

We had a similar problem when we went to see Abigail's Party. Does anyone have the answer to this problem? I await with interest.

Mrs Patricia Dennison,

Huntington Road, York.

Updated: 10:52 Friday, October 14, 2005