Bernard Storace (The Sunday Times, October 24) highlighted alleged safety concerns at the Aurora Opera House, Victoria.

May we assure Mr Storace and all your readers that the theatre is fully compliant with the relative health and safety requirements for indoor public places such as theatres.

Contrary to the erroneous impression given by Mr Storace, all safety exits were properly lit and indicated during the performance of Carmen.

In addition, before the actual performance started, an announcement was also made to the audience, providing information regarding safety exits. The fact that patrons opted to ignore this announcement as they continued chatting away cannot be attributed to a failure on the theatre administration’s part.

To enter and exit the auditorium, only the main entrance was used, since it is not normal for any theatre to use emergency exits during intervals.

Another point worth clarifying is that the extra seats which were placed were in no way obstructing the main exit or any emergency exit. In determining where to place the extra chairs in view of the high demand for tickets, due consideration was also given to safety requirements.

We assure Mr Storace that the theatre administration has at heart not only the mammoth operatic productions staged year in year out at the theatre but also the safety of its numerous patrons.

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