Oh yes they can!

The possible cancellation of all pantos and Christmas shows this December (Scotsman, 22 June) would be a calamity and a catastrophe. As a nonagenarian amateur thespian I have enjoyed (and sometimes taken part in) pantos since I was a small boy in the 1930s .then we could watch pantos in the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh and circuses in the Waverley Market – both venues long gone, alas!

Since then theatres and places of entertainment have been nurtured throughout Scotland, but are now under threat of being “mothballed”. This would be a catastrophe. Professional theatre companies and amateur clubs usually rely on their December show to provide cash to survive the year ahead. I know of some Edinburgh clubs who need the profit from their December shows just to keep their head above water.

May I suggest that the Scottish Government apply for cash from the Chancellor in London to provide, if needed, money to cover the deficit between box office receipts and breaking even? This promise might encourage preparation to continue for all Christmas shows – amateur and professional.

Another problem could be within the auditorium. However, box office teams could choose areas to keep clear – block bookings could be separated from other theatregoers by unused rows in front and behind. As front of house personnel are trained for fire hazards and bomb threats to evacuate the theatre in an orderly manner, they should do the same in December. DOUGLAS N CURRIE Minto Street, Edinburgh