HAVING recently enjoyed a great evening's entertainment at the Albert Halls, where CATS (Children's Amateur Theatre Society) performed a charity concert for the mayor, I reflected on how blessed Bolton is to have such a wealth of theatrical opportunity for young and old alike.

There is an absolute abundance of amateur operatic and dramatic societies in the town, and overall the standard is very good.

I can't think of another place where from September to May every year you can see practically a show a week, ranging from serious drama to light opera.

This hotbed of activity is sustained by dedicated, talented people and gifted performers which has allowed Bolton to provide stars on the national scene, and a tremendous amount of entertainment for the theatregoer From Sir Ian McKellen and Frank Finlay, through to Paul Nicholls, Maxine Peake, Katy Cavanagh and lately Andrew Buchan, the town's amateur theatre scene has bred talent and continues to amaze in its variety and quality.

And in CATS, as I witnessed, the future is secure.

Long may it continue!

Mark Weatherall Ranworth Close Sharples