I was very interested - and delighted - to read in The Argus (May 1) that the Alexandra Theatre in Bognor Regis is to reopen in June.

Having been one of the original management team of The Bognor Regis Centre (Alexandra Theatre and Royal Hall) in 1980, I have followed the ups and downs of the venue over the years.

I trust this time, the people of Bognor Regis and the surrounding area will support the venture to ensure there is a long-term future for the theatre.

However, your article intimates that Beauty And The Beast will be the first professional pantomime in the theatre.

This is not the case. The first professional pantomime was Cinderella, presented by Charles Vance in 1980.

Since then, there have been more, the most famous probably being in Christmas 1982, when Esther Rantzen, at the height of her fame, played Dick Whittington her first (and only, I think) panto.

-Russell Davies, Worthing