NOT many towns the size of Darwen are lucky enough to have their own theatre, so I intend to use ours as often as I can.

But books and films are not the same as seeing something acted out before you on the stage, and all children should have the chance to experience it, whether through school or with their family.

At least when I go to the theatre in Darwen, I won't have the same problem I had in Manchester a few years ago when I took a friend to see Phantom of the Opera.

We had trouble finding a parking space and dashed into the theatre with moments to spare .

On the stage was a tramp-like figure, wringing his hands, singing soulfully, while I racked my brains. What on earth had this to do with Phantom?

"That's Anthony Newely" my friend hissed, " we're watching Scrooge." I remember saying "what" louder than intended, and being "shushed" from all around me. I couldn't fathom out what was going on. Had the entire cast of Phantom been taken ill and hastily replaced by Scrooge? In the semi darkness, I took the tickets out and checked the date. It was right, as were our seat numbers, so I could do nothing more than fidget and fret until the interval.

At last the lights went up. We marched down to the foyer, and the very genial manager came to greet us.

"Good evening ladies. Is Everything all right?"

"Well not really. I booked for my friend and I to see Phantom of the Opera, and instead we're watching Scrooge. Can you tell me why?"

Without batting an eyelid, he replied: "Yes madam, you're in the wrong theatre."

The manager was very kind, as well as being very amused, because he could not understand how we had managed to wander into his theatre, and sit in two of only four empty seats that night.

He told us to go and enjoy the rest of the evening, and he would send us tickets to see Phantom at the correct venue. Which he did.

So as I said, I'm not likely to have the same problem in Darwen, I won't have to worry about parking, and there is nowhere else for me to wander into by mistake.

PAULINE SAULL, Kay Street, Darwen.